The configurational optimization of the artificial reefs based on the fish-egg dynamics

Abstract

Artificial reefs are frequently employed in fisheries management to improve the local ecological environment and to contribute to the enhancement of fishery resources. The placement of artificial reefs can attract adult fish, but they also serve as a good environment for sticky fish eggs to hatch and grow. Fish-egg dynamics are highly dependent on the surrounding environment, which is greatly influenced by the configuration of reefs. The scientific design of the reef block number is significant from both an ecological view and economic view. This study sets up a numerical model to simulate the flow field and viscous fish eggs in a reef area, based on the mesoscopic lattice Boltzmann framework coupled with Eulerian and Lagrangian perspectives. This model is verified by particle image velocimetry (PIV), which is a measurement technique for visualizing fluids by displaying velocity vectors in a two-dimensional manner, and obtains the spatial distribution characteristics of fish eggs with various configurations of artificial reefs. To achieve the best configuration of fish reefs in the applied waters, the economic cost and ecological function of fish reefs are balanced using objective analysis. This is a reliable and practical way to take into account capital efficiency and the impact of restoration when designing reef zones.