Present status and prospects of artificial reefs in Thailand

Abstract

Artificial reefs (ARs) are important entities aimed to restore and enhance resources throughout the world. In order to develop Thailand’s AR program, the current distribution of ARs and natural reefs was investigated. Also the materials used for AR construction were studied. A high distribution of ARs was found in coastal areas (depth ≤30 m) that lacked natural reefs. Of the total sea areas, shallow water areas (depth ≤10 m) showed to have a higher distribution of ARs with a density ratio of 0.06. AR program’s trends from various coastal countries showed that the data presented a wide field of studies on AR in numerous countries, ranging from structure research to physical, biological, and economical monitoring. In comparison, however, a relatively narrow range of studies have been done for Thailand, most of which were concerned with productivity and ecological success. The data also reflected the use of various materials and types of structures in AR construction in other countries, but this variety was not visible in that of Thailand. In addition, while the use of a variety of structures has enabled many countries to deploy ARs in deeper waters to enhance and restore resources, Thailand’s AR deployment was shown to only have a high distribution and density ratio of ARs in shallow areas because of the use of relatively primitive structures and deployment methods. Upon comparison of AR programs in various countries, it seems that Thailand lacks the necessary technology, future plans and information about recent trends. Shallow waters (depth ≤10 m) will undoubtedly be important AR deployment sites for the restoration and enhancement resources, but in order to counteract the present environmental damages and decline of marine resources, it will be necessary to conduct a much wider field of studies. In addition, more effective deployment plans should be implemented to focus on deeper waters (depth >10 m), which may be beneficial for the future AR program development. According to previous studies, AR development in Thailand should be improved with more effective methods of structure construction, planning, and techniques in order to restore the environment and the coastal resources.