Artificial Reefs: A Review

Abstract

A comprehensive literature review on the material characteristics, design of size and shape, application and management of artificial reef has been carried out. Multipurpose Artificial Surfing Reefs (MPASR) are increasingly being adopted for coastal protection because of several advantages associated with them such as coastal protection by reducing the wave energy, recreation of beaches (surfing, fishing, and diving), habitat for marine organisms and increase in socioeconomic prosperity. The most important characteristic is that they are soft barriers. It is concluded that although artificial reefs do have the ability to fulfill many objectives, for which they are meant, their success will depend mainly on the quality of planning and management prior to their implementation.