Application of a General Pattern of Colonization of a “Verde-PROARR”-Artificial Reef in the Ría de Ares-Betanzos (Spain)

Overfishing and pollution have led to marine habitat degradation, and as a result, marine fisheries are now in decline. Consequently, there is a real need to enhance marine ecosystems while halting the decline of fish stocks and boosting artisanal fishing. Under these circumstances, artificial reefs (ARs) have emerged as a promising option. Nevertheless, their performance is traditionally assessed years after installation, through experimental and field observations. It is now necessary to adopt an alternative approach, adapting the design of artificial reefs to the specific characteristics of the ecosystem to be enhanced. In this way, it will be possible to determine the potential positive impacts of ARs before their installation. This paper presents a general and integrated conceptual framework to assist in the design of AR units by adopting an ecosystem ecology (EE) perspective. It consists of three main parts. In the first one, starting from an initial geometry, EE principles are used to include modifications with the aim of improving autotrophic resource pathways (additional substrata and increased nutrient circulation) and leading to a habitat enhancement (more shelter for individuals). The second part of the framework is a new dimensionless index that allows the user to select the best AR unit design from different alternatives. The potential impacts on the ecosystem in terms of energy, nutrient cycling and shelter are considered for such a purpose. Finally, a general hydrodynamic methodology to study the stability of the selected AR unit design, considering the effect of high waves under severe storms, is proposed. The framework is applied through a case study for Galician estuaries.

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Proposed Conceptual Framework to Design Artificial Reefs Based on Particular Ecosystem Ecology Traits

Carral

Galdo

Barros

et al. 2022

Biology

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Assessment of the Materials Employed in Green Artificial Reefs for the Galician Estuaries in Terms of Circular Economy

Carral

Fabal

Galdo

et al. 2020

IJERPH

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To exploit marine resources in a sustainable way, efficient management systems must be used such as green artificial reefs (GARs). These reefs are mostly made up of renewable and organic materials. When adopting the circular economy (CE) model, industrial processes must be reconsidered. By adapting how conventional artificial reefs (CARs) are engineered and produced to embrace the principles of the CE, certain materials can be used. Renewable resources are designed to be reintroduced into the biosphere without producing harmful organic residues or nutrients. Within a framework that covers economic, environmental and social considerations, this study offers four new proposals related to substituting the materials destined for the components in an artificial reef. For the first time, two different methodologies were applied to determine the best alternative in terms of its contribution to both sustainability and CE. From the results obtained, the best solutions are in line with substituting a certain amount of the cement and sand with mussel shells. The importance of the results lies in the fact that the canning industry in Galicia (northwest Spain) generates shell residues which promote grave environmental consequences.

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Definition of an Artificial Reef Unit through Hydrodynamic and Structural (CFD and FEM) Models—Application to the Ares-Betanzos Estuary

Galdo

Rodríguez-Guerreiro

Vigo³

et al. 2022

JMSE

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The application of hydrodynamics to the definition of artificial reefs is of great interest since the positioning of the artificial reef modules on the sea floor alters the water velocity field, causing an appropriate circulation of nutrients and promoting a habitat for settling desired species. Nevertheless, the designs must be subjected to a structural calculation that will condition the constructive process to be applied. The present research proposes a methodology to determine the geometry of an artificial reef in terms of hydrodynamic and structural criteria. The solution proposed was analyzed through Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and the Finite Element Method (FEM). Using concrete as base material for artificial reefs, four different dosages were proposed with different proportions of cement and water, leading to different mechanical properties, which determine different constructive strategies, such as dwell time in the mold. From the hydrodynamic point of view, it was found that the solution proposed provides a proper replacement of nutrients. From the structural point of view, it was found that the solution proposed does not need steel reinforcements in concrete, which improves the sustainability of the artificial reef. The four different concrete dosages will condition the constructive strategy through the dwelling time in the mold and, for any established production, the necessary number of molds (formworks).

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Application of a General Pattern of Colonization of a “Verde-PROARR”-Artificial Reef in the Ría de Ares-Betanzos (Spain)

Cited by 3 publications

References 8 publications

Proposed Conceptual Framework to Design Artificial Reefs Based on Particular Ecosystem Ecology Traits

Proposed Conceptual Framework to Design Artificial Reefs Based on Particular Ecosystem Ecology Traits

Assessment of the Materials Employed in Green Artificial Reefs for the Galician Estuaries in Terms of Circular Economy

Definition of an Artificial Reef Unit through Hydrodynamic and Structural (CFD and FEM) Models—Application to the Ares-Betanzos Estuary

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