7 Methodologies to assess effectiveness and impacts of artificial reefs and standardized monitoring procedures

A critical element in understanding how artificial reefs can be integrated into a more general marine resource management framework is the ability to evaluate the performance of artificial reefs. Despite significant developments in construction and design, artificial reef projects have been criticized for a lack of planning in the development of adequate monitoring programmes that will provide fisheries scientists and managers with the information required to test objectives (Claudet and Pelletier, 2004).

Consent conditions placed upon artificial reef development provide the clearest basis to establish a monitoring programme that will address the primary aims of the reefs installation. Clearly establishing the aims for reef construction will help authorizing authorities set these subsequent conditions of consent. Once set, these conditions may easily be translated into monitoring programmes with clearly defined (and achievable) outcomes.
Monitoring programmes should be part of management plans aimed to ensure that the artificial reef is sustainably managed and that its operation does not have negative impacts on the marine environment and fish surrounding communities. These programmes should aimed to verify that:

• water quality is maintained;
• the structural integrity and stability of the reef infrastructure is maintained over time; • there is no increase of contaminants in the environment (water and sediments); • the occurrence of pests and/or other invasive species is minimized and, if these events
do occur, prompt reporting, management and/or remedial action will be implemented; • the ecological, social and economic goals of the reef are achieved; • navigational safety is maintained.
Elements that help clarify a Mediterranean standardization of monitoring programmes for artificial reefs are provided hereafter.