Artificial Reefs: Do They Really Help?
Explore whether artificial reefs boost marine biodiversity, support fisheries, or merely concentrate fish. Learn about the pros and cons and how divers can help monitor real conservation outcomes.
PRESERVING OUR GREAT LAKES AND OCEANS
Artificial Reefs: Do They Really Help?
What Are Artificial Reefs—and Why They’re Built
Artificial reefs are human-made structures placed on the seafloor to mimic natural reef habitats. These include sunken ships, concrete modules, and repurposed materials. They are deployed worldwide to enhance habitat, support fisheries, promote diving tourism, or protect shorelines.
Are They Attracting or Producing Marine Life?
Scientists debate whether artificial reefs truly increase fish populations or simply draw fish from nearby natural habitats, a concept called “attraction versus production.” A global review found that about 55% of studies reported increases in fish abundance, while others showed mixed effects depending on location, species, and reef design.
Some well-designed reefs can actually increase biomass and provide nursery habitat—especially in areas with limited natural reef structures. One study across three estuaries found fish populations increased on both artificial and nearby natural reefs after reef deployment, suggesting real production.
Pros of Artificial Reefs
They create habitats by providing hard surfaces in areas where natural reefs are scarce, supporting marine life such as invertebrates and fish.
In regions with limited natural habitats, artificial reefs can increase species diversity and attract predators like jacks, tuna, and reef fish.
Artificial reefs often boost local economies by attracting divers and fishers, creating jobs and generating revenue.
In some coastal areas, they help protect shorelines by reducing wave energy and erosion.
Cons to Consider
The high concentration of fish around artificial reefs can lead to overfishing if not properly regulated.
Artificial reefs may disrupt natural ecosystems by attracting invasive species or altering food chains.
If constructed from inappropriate or unclean materials, they can release pollutants or contribute to marine debris.
Many artificial reef projects lack long-term monitoring, making it difficult to evaluate their true environmental impact.
What Divers Should Know and Do
Dive on reefs that are purpose-built with environmental safeguards rather than random debris disposals.
Participate in monitoring or citizen-science efforts if available—count fish, note species structure, or report invasive species.
Volunteer with local dive centers or NGOs to support artificial reefs designed with habitat enhancement in mind.
Advocate for balanced reef management, including limits on fishing and regular ecological assessments.
Happy and safe diving,
The ScubaBlast Team
Folpp, H., Lowry, M., Gregson, M., & Suthers, I. (2020). Artificial reefs increase fish abundance in habitat‑limited estuaries. Journal of Applied Ecology. Retrieved from https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1365-2664.13666
Higgins, E., Metaxas, A., & Scheibling, R. E. (2022). A systematic review of artificial reefs as platforms for coral reef research and conservation. PLoS One, 17(1), e0261964. Retrieved from http://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8782470
University of Florida IFAS. (n.d.). Artificial reefs in Florida 101: Why they are built and effects on marine life. Retrieved from https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/FR450
University of Florida IFAS. (n.d.). Artificial reefs in Florida Part 3: Effects on fishers (and divers). Retrieved from https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/FA243
Coral Digest. (n.d.). Artificial reefs: Management considerations and ecosystem impacts. Retrieved from https://www.coraldigest.org/management/artificialreefs/index.html
Kenworthy, E. (2025, April 17). Study highlights the economic benefits of Georgia’s artificial reefs. Georgia Coast. Retrieved from https://gacoast.uga.edu/study-highlights-the-economic-benefits-of-georgias-artificial-reefs/
Wired. (2022). To fight coastal erosion, design a bespoke artificial reef. Retrieved from https://www.wired.com/story/reefy-modular-reef-costal-erosion
Reuters. (2025, June). UAE creates artificial reef dive sites from sunken ships. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/article/uae-artificial-reefs-idUSKBN2NW0RX