Artifical reefs- how are they made

[cmdasia]

Does anyone know any sources or websites regarding small scale artifical reef building and monitoring?

When searching the web I found just massive artificial reef projects (ala Corp of Engineers) and the "reef ball" site but that does not give much info at all really.

Any info at all would be appreciated

thanks

 

[Epinephelus]

Almost any structure that will provide a surface above the bottom will make a home for marine organisms and become an "artificial reef," but some materials are better than others. The best (for artificial coral reef starts) are chunks of old coral reef (limestone deposits). Next best are structures made from concrete and like stuff (reefballs & pyramids & such). But in a pinch almost anything will do - old cars, ships, battle tanks, airplanes. The key is having vertical structure that gets above the sand and mud, where coral can grow.
As for sites, check out the University of Florida and Florida State.
Here's one about restoring oyster reefs in Alabama (though I doubt that's the kind of reef you're talking about)
Try www.reef.org and www.coral.org as well.
E.

 

[adder70]

There are 2 wrecks about 100 yards apart off of West Palm Beach in Florida. Someone decided to make the trek easier, and now they have the "yellow brick road", which is a path of old industrial walls, floors, etc (all concrete) strewn along the bottom showing the way. This is heavily populated with fish, in particular a smallish Angelfish, Rock Beauties if I recall correctly. I had a great time watching the territorial battles as I passed by! It wasn't that old when I was there, but a few areas were showing signs of more permanent residents (coral, etc).

 

[mwilding]

An artificial reef is any sort of man made permanent / semi-permanent structure that marine organisms can use for shelter and/or anchor spots. It can include but not be limited to:

a sunken vessel
spare tires tied together and weigthed
subway cars
reef balls
scrap metal

In time, it will become it's own eco-system and generate biomass - voila!

edit: ok - you know that already

Here's some useful links:
http://www.coral.noaa.gov/themes/tools.html
http://icm.noaa.gov/problems/problems.html
http://www.graysreef.nos.noaa.gov/plan/intro.html

p.s. Google is your friend...