Capstone Title
The Potential Use of Artificial Reefs Within Marine Protected Areas to Enhance Fisheries and MPA Effectiveness
Defense Date
3-2014
Document Type
Capstone
Degree Name
M.S. Marine Biology
First Advisor
Paul Arena
Second Advisor
Richard E. Spieler
Third Advisor
Nicholas Funicelli
Abstract
Numerous experiments have indicated artificial reefs increase fish biomass and species richness. However, the majority of these experiments have determined these increases were primarily the result of attraction of fishes from nearby areas rather than production of new fish biomass. These structures would act more as fishing tools and sinks rather than enhancement materials in areas open to fishing (Claudet 2004 &Lindberg 1997). Incorporating AR’s into MPA’s could increase the effectiveness of the MPA by initially attracting fishes into an area protected from fishing. With fishing restricted on the AR, the goal would be to eventually increase biomass and species richness within the boundaries of the MPA’s.
NSUWorks Citation
Elizabeth Simpson. 2014. The Potential Use of Artificial Reefs Within Marine Protected Areas to Enhance Fisheries and MPA Effectiveness. Capstone. Nova Southeastern University. Retrieved from NSUWorks, . (300)
https://nsuworks.nova.edu/cnso_stucap/300.