Abstract:
In 1984 an artificial reef consisting of four large marine vessels was
deployed on sand bottom in 12 - 33 m depth within 100 m of a shallow (6 11 m
depth) natural coral reef. Beginning in February 1994 three of the vessels
comprising the artificial reef and the adjacent natural reef were visually censused
via SCUBA at two-week intervals. Findings are reported for February - September
1994. A total of 86 species were observed; 67 species each on the artificial and
natural reefs. Mean species richness varied by sample site; species richness was
higher on the natural reef sites. Mean abundance also varied by site; mean
abundance was lower on two of the three artificial reef sites, and was higher on the
natural reef sites and the third artificial reef site. Mean abundance and water
temperature varied by date, but there was no significant relationship between these
variables. The most abundant family on the artificial reef was pomacentridae, while
labridae was most abundant on the natural reef. The most abundant recreationally
targeted species on the artificial reef represented the families mullidae,
pomadasyidae and scaridae. Scaridae, pomadasyidae and holocentridae were most
abundant on the natural reef.
