Case 3-12 Habitat improvement through the installation of artificial fish reefs: case of a Marine Protected Area in Joal

Key words	Marine Protected Area (MPA), Joal, shellfish reef, COGEPAS, MPA Management Committee
Context	In November 2004, the Senegalese government created an MPA at Joal on the Petite-Côte. The aim was to restore or increase stocks in the MPA by protecting spawning fish through banning fishing and regulating fishing methods in the MPA. The sinking of an artificial reef made of shells was promoted in this area. What are the issues facing this MPA, and how can the installation of artificial reefs help solve them?
Content	As the coastal area of Joal has few natural reefs and a monotonous seabed, the Joal CLPA advised that it would be appropriate to install artificial reefs to provide spawning and nursery grounds for fisheries resources in the established MPA. The JICA COGEPAS project supported the introduction of a type of reef with a wire mesh filled with seashells, and they were installed in cooperation with the MPA management committee and the National Parks Directorate. In July 2010, 20 shell reefs (70-80 kg each) were installed in the MPA, and five months later a dive survey confirmed the presence of algae and small fish. Subsequently, 135 shell reefs were installed. Shellfish reefs, which make use of discarded shellfish for breeding resources, are inexpensive and highly sustainable, and fishers in the surrounding areas are keen to have these reefs installed in their waters. Installation of shellfish reefs in the MPA continued after the end of COGEPAS. According to an interview conducted at the Joal fisheries office in June 2017, at least 600 shell reefs have been made and installed in the MPA off Joal since the end of COGEPAS. Ministry of Environment funds supplemented by donors have been made available through the MPA management committee for this activity.
Lessons Learned	The production of shell reefs from locally available materials or discarded shells is a highly sustainable activity that has continued after the end of external assistance due to the availability of materials and ease of production. However, there is still room for improvement in terms of the strength of the reefs, and the durability of their shape and endurance once they are installed in the sea.
Guideline chapter relevant to this case study	Chapter 3 Implementation of resource management measures 3.1.3 Habitat improvement Methods to improve the habitat of the resource include the establishment of protected areas and restricted fishing areas to preserve the nursery grounds of juvenile fish, the creation of artificial fish reefs to create nursery grounds, and the planting of mangroves to serve as nursery grounds.
Situation to which this case study could refer	This case study can be an effective example when considering the establishment of artificial reefs for improving the habitat of protected areas and fishing restricted areas to preserve the habitat of juvenile fish.