Multidisciplinary Evaluation of the Artificial Reef Projects in Thailand

Abstract

During the last ten years, artificial reefs have been installed experimentally at thirty-one sites along the coastline of Thailand. A follow-up survey of these experiments has been carried out only partially at each site. Since the artificial reef project was initiated primarily by drawing on the practical experience of fishermen, because of insufficient baseline data, the implication is the study and research should be carried out from a scientific point of view in order to achieve maximum benefit from the installations. Consequently, at the request of the Department of Fisheries, Thailand a joint team (SEAFDEC/MFD) was formed to implement an evaluation survey. The survey was multidisciplinary and included the biological oceanographical, engineering and socio-economic aspects of artificial reefs. This report is a compilation of the preliminary research results obtained by the members of the survey team and includes their recommendations.