A Study on the Ecological Indices for the Assessment of the Function and Maturity of Artificial Reefs

Abstract

We reviewed foreign evaluation systems based on the macrobenthic and macroalgal communities and developeda system, composed of a set of ecological indices able to evaluate the functionality (FI, Functional Index;estimation of stability and productivity) and maturity (MI, Maturity Index; comparisons with biological parametersof natural reefs) of artificial reefs by comparing the status in the adjacent natural reefs in Korean coastalwaters. The evaluation system was applied to natural and artificial reefs/reef-planned areas (natural reefs), establishedin the 5 marine ranching areas (Bangnyeong-Daechung, Yeonpyung, Taean, Seocheon and Buan) in thewest coast of Korea. The FI ranged between 31.6 (Bangnyeong-Daechung) and 72.5% (Buan) and MI didbetween 53.1 (Seocheon) and 76.9% (Taean) in average. The evaluation of artificial reefs by the two indices,showed the most appropriate status in Taean. The FI between the adjacent artificial and natural reefs were in significantlinear relationship (r2=0.83, p=0.01). This indicated the local status of biological community may be critical in determining the functionality of the artificial reefs. We have suggested an integrative but preliminaryevaluation system of artificial reefs in this study. The output from the evaluation system may be utilized as a toolfor environment/resource managers or policy makers, responsible for effective use of funds and decision making.Given the importance, we need to use the options to enhance and improve the accuracy as follows: (1) continuousvalidation of the evaluation system and rescaling the criteria of indicators, (2) vigorous utilization of observationand experience through the application and data accumulation and (3) development and testing of brandnewindicators.