Artificial Reef Programme in the Balearic Islands: Western Mediterranean Sea

Abstract

Analysing the Balearic artificial reef programme so far, it is interesting that biological success seems to be related to the state of conservation of the seabed and the water column, rather than to fisheries production. It may be more interesting to focus on a different solution to the problem. Perhaps instead of deploying artificial structures it would be a better long-term investment to restore the natural environment and its balance directly by taking steps to stop environmental damage and avoid future problems. As the Balearic Islands are small in area and human impact is recent and not of an industrial nature this may be more feasible here than in other European coastal areas. The strengthening of fishing regulations (both commercial and recreational) and their thorough implementation may be more effective and naturally balanced than deploying artificial reefs to damage illegal fishing gear, something which has not proved to be totally effective. Regardless of the effectiveness of reefs, measures for the correct management of the coastal zone (Bohnsack, 1989) are necessary in the Balearics. The recent interest in using artificial reefs in many coastal areas and the problems and scepticism aroused (Cognetti, 1989; Ody, 1990) stress the need to have an accurate overview of the role of these devices on different seabeds. Experiments deploying reef units that have different aims, size, shape, composition and surface textures, on various types of seabed would provide this. Such information would provide a scientific database describing the impact of reef deployment and the relationship of these structures within various marine ecosystems as a whole, which could be used to model ideas for reef placement prior to executing extensive plans. Data relating to the use and catch on fishing grounds and related areas before and after reef deployment are also required. This information should include the amount and composition of the catches with the different gear used, as well as the size frequency distribution of the species caught. The knowledge gained from these experiments could be of great help to the developers or authorities involved in reef programmes.