A REVIEW OF RECENT ARTIFICIAL REEF DEVELOPMENTS IN AUSTRALIA

This paper summarizes artificial reef developments in Australia since the mid 1980's. Seven artificial reefs, each consisting of about 900 t etrahedron module units constructed from discarded motor vehicle tires , have been placed in South Australian waters since 1984 to enhance pr imary production of colonizing organisms and to enhance catches of fis h species of recreational importance. Similar reefs have also since be en placed in other regions of Australia. Studies indicate that these r eefs have increased both primary productivity and the number of fish a vailable for recreational fishers. Most artificial reefs placed in Aus tralian waters have been for recreational use by either divers or angl ers. To avoid conflict between these two user groups some of these ree fs have been specifically designated for diver use and include underwa ter trails to assist divers with navigation. The use of derelict vesse ls as artificial reefs in several Australian states is also discussed.