Fish colonization of artificial reefs in the Persian Gulf (Bandar Lengeh-Iran): Reef designs and seasonal changes of fish abundance

Abstract

Artificial reefs are used as a management tool to compensate for overfishing and anthropogenic 
degradation. In the present study, to find the best artificial structure for enhancing of fish yields, the 
values of total fish catch and its seasonal changes were investigated in different forms of artificial 
structures placed in costal waters of Persian Gulf (Bandar-e-Lengeh-Iran). For this purpose, eight 
treatments including different forms of artificial reefs, reef ball (RB), fish house (FH), non-designed 
materials (ND), RB+FH, RB+ND, FH+ND and RB+ND+FH and one control group (C) were established. At 
each site, the fish sampling were carried out every three months for one year. According to data, total 
fish catch was higher significantly in RB+ND+FH treatment than in other experimental reef structures. 
As well as, the total fish yields in spring season were significantly higher than in other seasons. The 
catch composition data showed that Epinephelus coioides with 65% allocates the main quota of total 
catch on experimental artificial structures. In conclusion, the results indicated that artificial structures 
especially a complex of RB+ND+FH are more suitable for enhancing of fish catch successes in inshore 
waters of Bandar Lengeh.