The Benefits of Artificial Reefs: Values for Communities and Corporations?

Artificial reefs are a well-known resource enhancement technique. In addition to their use in ocean fishery development, reefs also serve as recreation sites for sport fishermen and divers. As artificial reefs are brought into the mainstream of community resource management, reef projects are being forced to compete with other recreation projects for public and private spending. Thus, it is necessary to document the benefits of existing reef structures, and to estimate the potential benefits of new reef projects. The Artificial Reef Development Center (ARDC) has been conducting research on reef benefits with special emphasis on economic value information. Economic value is important in evaluating large-scale reef projects as community recreation sites. By understanding the nature of reef values, communities and corporations can make more informed decisions about reef investments.