The Mitigation Potential of Artificial Reefs in Puget Sound, Washington

In Puget Sound, Washington, artificial reefs are being studied to determine their potential to replicate productive rocky bottom habitat. The colonization of fish, invertebrates, and algae was documented on 11 artificial reefs during the first two reef years. All 11 reefs experienced similar colonization processes which resulted in common species assemblages. Physical and biological parameters of productive rocky bottom habitats are used to determine potential biological production at sites which are deficient of rocky substrates. This method of site selection, along with the predictable colonization by organisms insures the proper replication of the productive rocky bottom habitats.