21. Considerations for artificial reef installation and mangrove planting

Artificial reefs and mangrove forests with the objective of creating nursery grounds for coastal fish can be established in an MPA because the establishment of the MPA facilitates the achievement of the objective of these measures. When installing artificial reefs or planting mangroves, the following points should be considered:

・The installation of artificial reefs on natural reefs that already provide habitat for fish results in the destruction of natural reefs. When artificial reefs are installed, it is necessary to ensure that they have a sandy or muddy bottom.
・Shallow water areas are affected by waves more than deep water ones. Artificial reefs should be installed in water depths of 10 m or more.
・If artificial reefs are installed in water bodies used by surrounding fishermen as fishing grounds and defined as restricted fishing areas, problems with the fishermen may occur. It is necessary to select an area not used as a fishing ground for the installation of artificial reefs.
・When planting mangroves, it is natural to choose a suitable habitat for mangroves. It is advisable to choose an area where mangrove forests were once extensive but have been reduced or lost owing to logging or other reasons.