Construction and Evaluation of an Artificial Reef Designed to Enhance Nearshore Rockfish Production

Material from a storm damaged breakwater was used to construct an artificial reef to evaluate potential to enhance select rockfish species through recruitment. Site selection differed from previous artificial reefs by selecting sand substrate in close proximity to natural rock reefs, rather than placement in areas of low productivity. The substrate heterogenity of the artificial reef exceeded that of the natural reefs. Algal development of the overstory canopies differed. Young-of-the-year rockfish were influenced by algal canopy type and substrate type. Early evidence suggests that properly designed artificial reefs may have a beneficial effect on rockfish by creating nursery habitat for early development. That effect could benefit coastal rockfish resources.