Artificial reefs in Brazil: perspectives on the restoration of marine ecosystems

Abstract

Artificial reefs (ARs) can restore degraded reef ecosystems when properly implemented. Despite growing interest, controversy exists due to the varied impacts associated with these structures. Each location worldwide has unique laws and regulations surrounding AR implementation. In this article, we critically assess and update the state-of-the-art on ARs in Brazil, exploring their history, key aspects, and scientific knowledge of their status and future perspectives. ARs have been used in Brazilian coast by government entities since the 1980s and by local communities aiming to boost fishing productivity since the 1990s. However, important aspects such as environmental monitoring, site assessment, material technologies, design, and socioeconomic considerations have not been extensively addressed. Consequently, inadequate planning has led to economic and socioenvironmental impacts like invasive species, pollution, and disruptions to community trophic structures, affecting the Brazilian coast economically, socially, and ecologically. While some progress has been made in legislation, furtherspecifications and science-based tools are needed. Concerns have also emerged about the sinking of numerous vessels for tourism purposes. Thus, we present a decision-making tool for AR utilization, emphasizing scientific planning, assessments, long-term strategies, interdisciplinary studies, and public policies for management and monitoring, including existing ARs.