Artificial structures in marine environments, such as oil and gas installations, seawalls, pilings, and breakwaters, can play a significant role in enhancing marine biodiversity. These structures, whether intended to restore marine life like artificial reefs, or not specifically designed for biodiversity enhancement, can contribute towards it.
Artificial reefs mimic the structural aspects of natural reefs, providing shelter, food, and breeding sites for various marine species. They are designed to support the expansion of biodiversity and counterbalance reef degradation and declining fish stocks.
Even structures not initially intended to enhance biodiversity, like oil and gas rigs, can support biodiversity. During their operational phase, these installations function like artificial reefs. At the end of their production life, they can be fully converted to artificial reefs, as their ecological contribution cannot be ignored.
Moreover, these artificial structures provide a substrate conducive to the settlement and development of epibiota1. For instance, vertical piles extending the entire water column can support epibiotic communities with different solar intensity preferences.
In conclusion, artificial structures in marine environments have a crucial role in enhancing biodiversity, supporting biotic communities, and contributing to the ecological integrity of marine ecosystems.
SOME EXAMPLES OF SUCCESFULL ARTIFICIAL REEFS:
- Redbird Reef: Located off the Delaware coast, Redbird Reef is constructed mostly of decommissioned New York City subway cars. It covers 1.3 square miles of ocean floor and sits about 80 feet below the water surface.
- The Tank: This artificial reef in Jordan’s Aqaba Marine Park is made out of a single American M42 Duster tank. It was purposely sunk in 1999 to provide habitat for coral and sea sponges.
- USS Oriskany: A decommissioned aircraft carrier, the USS Oriskany was sunk in 2006 to create an artificial reef. It is the largest vessel ever sunk for this purpose.
- Sydney Offshore Artificial Reef: This 12m tall metal structure in Australia is aimed at facilitating the propagation of pelagic species.
- Narrow neck surfing reef: This geotextile artificial reef is designed to improve surfing conditions.
- Spiegel Grove shipwreck: This shipwreck serves as an artificial reef.
These artificial reefs have not only enhanced marine biodiversity but also become popular destinations for snorkelers and scuba divers.
