Iranian Journal of Fisheries Sciences 11(1) 1-12 2012

The effect of artificial reefs on fish assemblage versus natural sites in the Bandar Lengeh-

Azhdari H.1, 2*; Mohd Ibrahim1; Aziz Arshad1; Shamarina Shohaimi2; Ajdari Z.3; Zelina Zaiton Ibrahim1

Received: March 2011 Accepted: June 2011

Abstract Artificial reefs are used to compensate the destruction of marine ecosystems. In the present study, the effects of artificial reefs were compared to natural sites. For this purpose, five treatments including four different forms (Reef ball (R), Laneh Mahi (L), used materials (U) and R+L+U) of artificial reefs and one control were established. The reefs were deployed at Bandar Lengeh, the . At each site, the fish sampling were carried out every three months for one year. According to data, significant differences (p<0.05) were found between the artificial reefs and the control sites in terms of Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE). Among the reef treatments, the best enhancement of CPUE was for the mixed form of reefs compared to other forms and control. The present study indicates that the artificial reefs deployed have enhanced the fish community.

Keywords: Artificial Reef, Reef attraction, Comparative fish attraction, Reef fishery, Fish assemblage, Persian Gulf

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______1-Faculty of Environmental Studies, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Malaysia. 2-Faculty of Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Malaysia. 3-Iranian Fisheries Research Institute, No.297 Fatemi Blvd., Tehran, Iran. *Corresponding author’s email: [email protected] 2 Azhdari et al., The effect of artificial reefs on fish assemblage……. Introduction A part of the world’s population lives building an artificial reef, and during the along the coastal plain comprising the First Punic War, the Romans built a reef coasts, the seas, oceans, rivers and across the mouth of the Carthaginian estuaries. Humans deal with the coastal harbor in Sicily to trap the enemy ships and aquatic ecosystems as food resources within and assist in driving the and a large proportion of the people in Carthaginians from the island (Hess, et al., most countries are dependent on aquatic 2001; Williams, 2006). resources to provide their daily needs. The use of artificial reefs to Nevertheless, unfortunately natural increase fish yields or for algaculture also ecosystems have been indiscriminately has a long history. Historically Iranian harvested or even devastated due to over fishermen have indeed sunken artificial fishing (Claudet and Pelletier, 2004), materials such as blocks of stones, palm physical and chemical destructions arising trunks and broken clay pots to improve from industrial activities (Ajdari and fishery. Anglers have realized through Ajdari, 2006), untreated sewage of nearby experimentation that the sunken materials cities and factories, oil and gas have caused increased fish catches. This contamination from refineries and passing activity was called Hannaby (Rostamian, vessels and oil rigs. All these factors have 1998). caused the destruction of marine In general terms, the artificial reefs ecosystems, especially decreases in the are man-made habitats placed in areas of population of many kinds of aquatic biota sea bottom that provide a framework for (FAO, 2007). marine life to develop. Such habitats have The Persian Gulf (PG) has not only several benefits including: providing food, experienced the same fate but also the shelter, protection, and spawning areas for Downloaded from jifro.ir at 8:01 +0330 on Friday October 1st 2021 occurred wars in the region have imposed fish and marine life, as well as, relieving negative impacts on aquatic systems such natural reefs from user pressure by as reducing of fish catch especially for providing alternative recreational areas. important economical fish i.e. middle From an aquacultural point of view, the water pelagic and demersal fish. artificial reefs can increase fish catch Nowadays, one of the best strategies to tremendously (Matthews, 1985; Ambrose reform marine communities is applying and Swarbrick, 1989; Bayle-Sempere et Artificial Reefs (ARs). al., 1994; Baine, 2001; Lance et al., 2005). Of course, the construction of The artificial reefs are now employed in artificial reefs is thousands of years old, over 40 countries and it is also ongoing although the historic usages were related to (Baine, 2001). In this study, the different sea power rather than aquaculture. Ancient forms of artifical reefs were applied in Persians blocked the mouth of the Tigris order to examine their effects on fish River to thwart Indian pirates by yields.

Iranian Journal of Fisheries Sciences, 11(1), 2012 3

Materials and methods The studied area was Bandar-e-Lengeh, Persian Gulf, located in latitude 26 ْ 29. 774′ N and offshore. The site was selected on hard sea .(longitude of 54 ْ 45. 055′ E, north of the bottom (Fig. 1

Figure 1: Location of artificial reef site

The locations of sites for the artificial reef tons respectively (Fig. 2b). Both artificial

Downloaded from jifro.ir at 8:01 +0330 on Friday October 1st 2021 establishments were determined through reefs (ARs) were made of concrete preliminary survey with GPS and buoys (Fitzhardinge and Bailey-Brock, 1989). were used to mark these locations at sea. Despite attempts to construct the artificial In this study, the artificial reefs were reefs in similar sizes, the reefs constructed constructed and established in two forms - have actually slightly different sizes. For designed and non designed materials instance, the reef balls were built in sizes (Seaman, 2000; Sherman et al., 2002; ranging from 1.37 to 1.45 m (Mean ± Walker et al., 2002). The designed Standard error: 1.43 ± 0.1 m) in maximum material included among others was Reef height and 1.47 to 1.51 m (Mean ± ball and Laneh mahi of different sizes, Standard error: 1.49 ± 0.02 m) in shapes and porosity. These were designed maximum diameter. For Laneh Mahi, the arithmetically, for instance, the Reef ball mean ± standard error for each triangular was 1.2m high, 1.5m wide and about 2-3 side was mean 1.52 ± 0.02m in maximum. tons (Fig. 2a). Non-designed materials were the used The width, height and weight of materials e.g. broken concrete, columns, Laneh mahi were 1.5m, 1.4m and 1.5-2 old concrete pipes and bridges (Pickering 4 Azhdari et al., The effect of artificial reefs on fish assemblage…….

and Whitmarsh, 1997). Their weights were this experiment comprising four treatments between 0.2 to 2 tons. (Figs. 2c, 2d). A and a control with three replicates for each research layout (Fig. 1) was designed for of them (Fig. 1 and Table.1).

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Figure 2: Materials used for constructing the artificial reefs

Iranian Journal of Fisheries Sciences, 11(1), 2012 5

Table 1: Statistical plan for deployment constructions of ARs in the sites

Reef ball Control Treatment Laneh Mahi Used material Mixed reefs ______Site (L) (U) (RLU) Replicates ( R) (CS)

1 A A A A A 2 B B B B B 3 C C C C C A= sites in first replicates in different treatment, B= sites in second replicates in different treatment, C= different sites in third replicates in each treatments. R=Reef ball, L=Laneh mahi, U=Used material, RLU= mix of three kind reefs and CS=Control Site or Natural reef

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Figure 3: Artificial Reef Design, in each replicate for treatments of structures

The treatments were Reef ball (R), Laneh similar to the artificial reefs deployed mahi (L), used materials (U), and mixed places with hard sea bottoms. The distance materials (RLU). The control site (CS) was between artificial reef treatments was 6 Azhdari et al., the effect of artificial reef on fish assemblage…….

300m and replicates were 100m (Walker et SPSS software was used for data analysis. al., 2002; Miguel and Carlos 1998), The means of fish catch were normal occupying an area of 36ha approximately, according to Kolmogorov Smirnov test. with depths ranging from 10 to 15m (Fig. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) 1). Each site was square shaped of was employed to compare the total means 10×10m dimension. There were 4×4=16 of fish catch between experimental groups pieces (Fig. 3) of artificial reefs depending (treatments and control) and also seasonal on the condition of the site of different changes of CPUE (Catch Per Unit Effort= treatments (Figs. 2a, b, c, d). yielded weight of fish in each collection). The total number of artificial reef pieces Also, the total means of CPUE of each for all 12 sites, except the 3 control sites treatment were compared with control by was 192 (statistical plan, Table 1). independent samples t-test (Table 3). Samplings were done once every three months during a period of one year. There Results was 15×3 = 45 number of trap nets used in Catch composition the study. Each used trap net was of size The status of attraction and assemblage of ranging from 120cm to 150cm in diameter, fishes found in this experiment were 249 meeting local requirement. As mentioned fishes grouped under 10 families and 16 previously, the artificial reef sites were species of demersal fishes. The families checked every three months. In each visit, were Serranidae, Haemulidae, Lutjanidae, the trap nets were placed in every sampled Siganidae, Pomacanthidae, Carangidae, site by skilled experts and divers and then Scaridae, Chaeodontidae, Lethernidae and abounded for a period of 5-7 days. The Sparidae. Three species were found in the catch per sample site was collected after families of Lutjanidae and Haemulidae this period. The fishes in the different reefs while the Seranidae and Sparidae families Downloaded from jifro.ir at 8:01 +0330 on Friday October 1st 2021 were grouped into families and species and each had two species and for other families their respective weights were recorded. just one species were found. The catches were treated with Formalin Fishing yield (4%) and transported by boat to the marine Throughout the experiment, the total fish ecology laboratory. In the laboratory, catch was higher in RLU reefs than other biometric measurements (Total weight) treatments and control sites (Fig. 4). were estimated for each fish species. The

Iranian Journal of Fisheries Sciences, 11(1), 2012 7

1600 1365.7 1400

1200

1000

800 (Kg) 635.5 600 443.9 443 TotalCatch Fish 400 109.24 200

0 R L U R+L+U CS Artificial Reef Forms

Figure 4: The total fish catch (Kg) in different forms of artificial reefs over the course of experiment

600

b 500

400 a 300 a a 200

Mean of Fish Catch (Kg) Mean of Fish Catch 100 a

0 R L U R+L+U CS Artificial Reef Forms

Figure 5: Comparison of mean of total fish catch (Kg) between different forms of Downloaded from jifro.ir at 8:01 +0330 on Friday October 1st 2021 artificial reefs over the course of experiment. The values with different letters are significantly different (P<0.05)

1400 1302.66

1200 903.67 1000

800 517.83 600

400 273.47 Total Fish Catch (Kg) Total Fish Catch 200

0 winter spring summer autumn

Season

Figure 6: Total fish catch (Kg) for each season over the course of experiment

8 Azhdari et al., the effect of artificial reef on fish assemblage…….

700 CS U R L R+L+U

600

500

400

300 CPUE CPUE gr / day 200

100

0 ( Winter) (Spring) (Summer) (Autumn)

Feb. Mar. Apr. May, Jun.Jul. Aug. Sep. Oct. Nov. Des.Jan.

Figure 7: Seasonal changes of Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) for different forms of artificial

In this regard, the total weight of caught Bander-e-lengeh, north of the Persian Gulf fishes in RLU and other artificial reef has shown that artificial reefs are reliable forms were approximately 13 and 4-6 tools to assemble, attract and enhance fish times greater than CS (Fig. 4). The mean production. In fact, there was a significant of fish catch was higher in RLU reefs than difference in fish production between the other forms and control sites (Fig. 5). artificial reefs and control sites in favor of Also, the total fish catch was higher in the former. In a previous study (Kamali, spring season than in other seasons (Fig. 2003) in , the significant

Downloaded from jifro.ir at 8:01 +0330 on Friday October 1st 2021 6). The RLU reefs showed higher values of differences were found in fish abundance CPUE in all seasons than other artificial between the various forms of artificial reef forms and the control (Fig. 7). reefs (Kamali, 2003). Bohnsack, 1989 observed the dramatic increases in fish

richness and abundance after deployment Discussion Artificial structure developments have of artificial reefs. Miguel and Carlos served many purposes and designs (Jensen (1998) carried out the project on the et al., 2000, Seaman, 2000, Sayer and presence of fish in artificial reefs and when Wilding, 2002, Perkol-Finkel, and compared with control sites the data Benayahu, 2005). The primary purpose of demonstrated the difference between tow artificial reefs has been attracting fishes by group as artificial reefs (protection reefs providing more favorable habitats than PR and exploitation reefs ER) with control those present in the original environment sites (as control protection reefs CPR and (Godoy et al., 2002). The deployment of control exploitation reefs CER). The equal artificial reefs in the coastal zone of numbers of fish and associated species Iranian Journal of Fisheries Sciences, 11(1), 2012 9

were found on an artificial reef and a reef would increase environmental natural reef in Florida after only 7 months carrying capacity and biomass within a (Dean, 1983). The biomass on an artificial naturally self-sustaining stock or aid in the reef of the Maquevas Island in 1972, survival of an introduced stock is that monitored by the University of Puerto artificial reef structures can reduce Rico’s Department of Marine Science, was predation on the reefs’ residents through found to be eight times greater than that of the provision of shelter (Bohnsack, 1989, a nearby natural reef, although there was Eggleston et al., 1992). As a result, an smaller species diversity (Dean, 1983). An artificial reef is an appropriate habitat, enlarged biomass of some 11 times greater which plays a great role as a reliable and was also found in an artificial reef comfortable shelter for aquatic life. So this compared to the natural one in the Virgin explains its potential to attract and Islands. In the present study, the mean assemble fishes. Many studies also values of fish catch were higher in all concluded that the artificial reefs are artificial reef forms than in control, suitable habitats for aquatic life providing although this was significant only for appropriate space for complete life activity RLU. Also, the total weight of caught fish such as living, propagation, nourishment, in RLU and other artificial reef forms were single or group living and temporary approximately 13 and 4-6 times greater occupancy during migration (Pickering than CS (fig. 4). and Whitmarsh, 1997, Seaman, 2000, Most importantly, artificial reefs Godoy et al., 2002). In this study, many have been used for enhancement of fishery groups of vertebrates have settled easily harvests in two ways. Firstly, almost and after three months all surfaces of the

Downloaded from jifro.ir at 8:01 +0330 on Friday October 1st 2021 immediately after reefs deployment, the reefs both inside and outside were attraction of mobile organisms to the occupied. It is likely that some structure was obvious as anticipated by characteristics of ecosystems in the Persian those interested in improving catch Gulf such as conducive depth, existence of efficiency. Secondly, there has been light and profusion of nutrients have expectation that ecologically the artificial caused the mass production of reefs are same or even better the natural invertebrates which are essentially the environment, in catch efficiency in the main part of food chain for fishes as this long term. This is because assemblages was reported for other sea regions including sessile organisms have adapted previously (foster, et al., 1994; Sampaolo well with the artificial reefs surface, and Renili, 1994). In the present study, the structure and its surrounding water total fish catch fluctuated in different column, eventually increasing the biomass periods of sampling (Fig. 5). at the site (Seaman, 2000). One of the In this regard, the maximum and mechanisms through which an artificial minimum levels of fish catch were found 10 Azhdari et al., the effect of artificial reef on fish assemblage…….

in second (spring season: March, April and the authors express their sincere May) and first sampling (winter season: appreciation to Mr. Saeed Hajirezaee for December, January, February) the English structural improvement of the respectively. In another study, Walker et text. al. (2002) mentioned that total abundance and richness of fishes fluctuated with different times in a year, increasing during References in Aug., Sep. and Oct. and similarly Ambrose, R. F. and Swarhrick S. L., decreasing during Feb., Mar. and Apr.. It is 1989. Comparison of fish likely that the second sampling has been assemblages on artificial and the best time because of its optimum natural reefs off the coast of temperature for blooming of southern California. Bulletin of phytoplankton and zooplankton (Kamali, Marine Science, 44, 718-733. 2005) that are very important as fish food Azhdari, H. and Ajdari, Z., 2003. in sea waters (Seaman, 2000) including the Marine Artificial Reef and its Persian Gulf. Therefore, the increased fish improvement in Iran. Moje Sabz Press catch in spring could be attributed to the 135p. (in Persian) probable blooming of phytoplankton and Baine, M., 2001. Artificial reefs: a review zooplankton. In conclusion, in this study, of their design, application, our results showed that mix reef (RLU) management and performance. Ocean could be the best choice for ARs and Coastal Management, 44, 241- development in the north Persian Gulf 259. coastal region. Bayle-Sempere, J. T., Ramos-Espla, A. A. and Garcia Charton, J. A., 1994.

Downloaded from jifro.ir at 8:01 +0330 on Friday October 1st 2021 Acknowledgements Intraannual variability of an First of all, the design of this study was artificial reef fish assemblage in the dependent on the guidance and experience marine reserve of Tabarca of Prof, Dr. Todd Barber. This was funded (Alicante. Spain, SW by the Iran Fisheries Organization. Mediterranean). Bulletin of Marine Lotfeollah Saeedi and Aminollah Taghavi, Science, 55, 824-835. and the Iranian Fisheries Research Bohnsack, J. A., 1989. Are high densities Organisation have provided technical aids of fishes at artificial reefs the result of in coordinating the efforts of experts habitat limitation or behavioral within the science groups. The Institute of preference. Bulletin Marine Sciences, Ecology of Persian Gulf and Sea 44, 631 – 645. Esa Kamali and Behzadi (IPOE) has Dean, L., 1983. Undersea oases made by provided assistance with fish counting, man: artificial reefs create new fishing identification and diving operation. Also, grounds. Oceans, 26, 27-29. Iranian Journal of Fisheries Sciences, 11(1), 2012 11

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