A multipurpose, artificial reef at Mount Maunganui Beach, New Zealand

A multipurpose, artificial, offshore reef has been designed for constructio n at Mount Maunganui Beach, New Zealand. The proposed reef will form the ba sis for research into coastal protection, amenity enhancement (particularly surfing but also diving fishing, and beach recreation), biological respons e, and social and economic impacts. In order to proceed with reef construct ion a five-year resource permit is being sought from the regulatory authori ty, and this application required an assessment of the likely environmental impacts of the proposed reef. The studies undertaken for the assessment in cluded the examination of physical, biological, social, and economic impact s. A comprehensive design process was undertaken to incorporate the amenity of surfing into a submerged reef shape. Programs to monitor physical and b iological responses, as well as social and economic impacts, were also esta blished. These studies support the use of multipurpose, artificial, offshor e reefs as an environmentally friendly solution to coastal protection. The reefs also cater to the growing demand for more coastal-amenity development .