Abstract

Three small artificial reefs (1 x 1.5 x 2 m) were deployed during April 1994 in shallow waters (6 m) at Humacao, Puerto Rico, to evaluate their usefulness for enhancing the sportfishery resources for the shorefishermen. Each reef consists of five modules constructed with scrap concrete culvert pipes. Fish populations were monthly visually assessed from May to October 1994. Data from the artificial reefs was compared with data from predeployment censuses, control sites and from a natural reef. A total of 52 species were observed at the artificial reefs with an average of 1354 individuals per reef, most of them juveniles. Fish populations showed a significant difference between artificial reefs and control areas in terms of species composition and abundance. No significant difference was found between the artificials and the natural reef in terms of fish species composition but the abundance estimates were significantly different. Preliminary results show that the artificial reefs have been effective in attracting and maintaining a diverse fish population and that the technique could be used to enhance the sportfishery resources of the area. Evaluation will continue until June 1995 and recommendations will be submitted regarding the above mentioned objectives.

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