Hi,

check this website: http://www.reefball.org/

I have seen them installed on Isla Isabel in Mexico and they work very well, simple to make and relatively cheap. You can vary their size according to your needs and capacity to haul them out to the sea.

Other people use old tires, but they contain a lot of toxic substances, not sure this is the best way.

Good luck!

Cheers

Volker

First of all, be sure to use the same materials as in the natural habitat type of shore (muddy, sandy or rocky). Second, the size of the tank is depending on the fish species. 

Artificial reefs are best method for creation of new fishing habitats. Many countries including India following this deployment of artificial reefs in their coast for conservation of biological resources which provides good fishery. Japan has deployed these artificial reefs in their coast which can also protect the coast from cyclone and tsunami. Our organization National Institute of Ocean Technology has also deployed these reefs concrete structures at Odisha coast for the fishermen community as project of Department of fisheries of the state. The fishermen reported that they are getting good catch. If you willing to the report I try to send the same. Thank you.

Please email me the same [email protected] 

...another important factor for consideration is the artificial sea water mixture to simulate the coastal bay of concern.

it is important for you to consider the salinity, mineral and micro-element profile of the habitat of concern so that your artificial system can sustain the species you intend to introduce into it.

Hi

First, I think you have to consider the purpose of the artificial reefs the species whose biomass you want to increase, and their biological features.This will drive the shape and the size of you artificial reef.

Then, my opinion is that increasing the complexity of the artificial reef is crucial : it will create habitats for a large number of species, from small invertebrates and their potential predators. By example, in the artificial reef system I worked on, the AR were rather large (~3 to 10 m high) but they were filled by complexifying elements, like bags filled with oyster shells, concrete blocks or octopus pots. Our research confirmed that these devices were shelters for invertebrates, which were then predated by commercial fish species.

I think you might find some interest reading my papers (MEPS 2014; JEMBE 2014) as well as papers by Charbonnel et al. (hyperlinks below). All of them discuss the link between complexity of the design, biomass and diversity increases and trophic relationships.

Finally, you must keep in mind that artificial reefs are efficient tools to sustain fisheries only if they are well-managed. They also become efficient only some time after their deployment, ie after the settlement stage. An efficient management policy should thus include no take zones to maintain durably the efficiency of artificial structures.

Cheers

Article Effects of increased habitat complexity on fish assemblages ...

Chapter Effects of Artificial Reef Design on Associated Fish Assembl...

Article Artificial Reefs in Marseille: From Complex Natural Habitats...

Hi Sreekanth,

There are some basic and general steps that you have to contemplate before start your artificial reef (AR) project.

1) What is the main purpose of the ARs? Fishery enhancement? Biodiversity conservation? Ecological restoration? or what else?

For example, if you want to create habitats for fishery enhancement, what are the target species you want to improve?

2) With this is mind, is important to have a complete knowledge of the environmental conditions of the area (i.e. general and local): oceanography, bottom features, surrounding ecosystems, socio-ecological components, artisanal fishery productivity, etc.

3) According with these aspects, you have to determine the materials of the ARs regarding the availability, stability, compatibility and durability, so you can find materials of opportunity or by the contrary, you can create designed reefs with specific characteristics depending on your purpose.

4) Finally, legal conditions in your country for the use of maritime areas, all the logistic requirements for ARs deployment and monitoring program for ARs evaluation.

I recommend you to search a complete information about the development and evaluation of AR projects in some text books and reports, some of them available online

- Seaman, W. Jr. 2000. Artificial reef evaluation. With application to natural marine habitats. CRC Press.

- Lindberg, W.J., Seaman, W.Jr. 2011. Guidelines and management practices for artificial reef siting, use, construction and anchoring in Southeast Florida. Department of Environmental Protection.

- Lukens, R.R., C. Selberg. 2004. Guidelines for artificial reef materials. Second edition.

Best regards.

Dear Mr.Sreekanth,

Dr Alfonso Ramos and his team at the University of Alicante, Spain, have wide experience on this subject

Artificial Reefs in European Seas

2000, pp 195-218

Artificial Anti-trawling Reefs off Alicante, South- Eastern Iberian Peninsula: Evolution of Reef Block and Set Designs

Alfonso A. Ramos-EsplÁ,

Juan E. GuillÉn,

Just T. Bayle,

Pablo SÁnchez-JÉrez