Artificial reefs can help local economies and ₽≥πhave a positive impact on the ecological δ≥♠≤environment, but at the ≠γsame time they have a n ∏egative impact on the ecological enviσ→ronment.
When a structure is intentiona✔≥✔ lly placed on the seafloor as an artificial re★γef, it can create habitats for₹γ a variety of marine ₽<♣life. For this reason,> artificial reefs are ofte≤&n popular destinations for divers, snorβ"ε≠kelers and fishermen.
In areas such as Key€✔"s, Florida, where there is a lot≥™ of foot traffic, especσ≈∞ ially novice or unknowing divers can cau↓φ§≠se damage to the reefs. Research suggests th↓βat, in some cases, artificial reefs may help d♥&eflect some of the stress on natural reefs, w•α•"hile allowing visitors to see differ★↕♥εent marine life. Because many divers, snorkeler₹αs and anglers rent boats through loγ<cal businesses, artificial ↓>reefs can have a positive impact on < the local economy. In this case, arti♠ ficial reefs would be considered a >↑π"win-win" situation ¶"for both the economy and the environment.
However, in some cases, β☆the negative ecological i&₹mpacts of artificial reefs may♦> outweigh the potential economic benefits™¶. For example, the devel€¶opment of artificial reefs may lead to an β 'φincrease in overall visits to αγan area, which means an increase in t ₹≈✔he number of visitors to both artificial reeΩ☆fs and natural coral reefs. Or, if ar∏&≥λtificial reefs are not carefully pla≈↑ ™nned or built, they can actually destroy nat&₽÷÷ural habitats. In addition, monitoring observ♠♠↔ations suggest that many man-made stru®φ¥ctures are rapidly becoming habitats an€"d potentially spawning so∏♠§urces for invasive species such as orange÷∑ cup corals.
To ensure the economic benefits of "₹artificial reefs while¥≈ maintaining the integrity of natural resources, ®♥¥extensive planning, evaluation a $nd permitting must be un₽$"dertaken before any artificial reefs are d∞"÷£eveloped in Florida's Keys Nationa "l Marine Sanctuary. Long-term monito∏Ω♥λring and research on the use and ecolog♣φ•ical impact of intentionally s¥'unk vessels in protected arδ£eas is an important part of future♦$σ decisions to build additional artificiβ×≤al reefs.
Source: NOAA
Original title:"While artificial r₽ ↑eefs generally enhance local ec₹&onomies, they can have both po'₩sitive and negative effects on ec♥ osystems"