Project Details
Description
Boulder reefs have been the subject of extensive mining where a number of reefs have been wholly or partially removed from the marine areas, especially the shallow coastal waters less than 10 m depth.
A review on the importance of cold temperate reefs was requested. The review summary highlighted the following. Reefs are known for their high species richness and are biologically very productive. They are home to many fish using reefs for refuge. In particular cavernous reefs with high complexity and many small niches (between and around stones) are characterized by high species diversity, high productivity and have an important function as a feeding area for many species of fish and marine mammals.
There are no quantitative estimates of the impact and effects of reefs for fish stocks in Danish waters. However, the relationship between refuge options and survival was shown for goby, as well as for juvenile cod. Larger cod are attracted to reefs during autumn before they start their spawning migration. Results of the first reef restoration project in Danish waters showed a clear development of both macro-algae and benthic fauna and in fish abundance for fish normally associated with reefs. The many fish had probably attracted porpoises, which are now observed more frequently and for longer periods in the area. The European lobster occurs in salty water (> 25 parts per thousand) at 2-40 m depth around vegetated reefs or rocky ground, and therefore, this habitat is an important habitat for lobster. Of the sessile invertebrates highlighted, mussels were found in several different types of habitats, including reefs and is one of the species that are first to colonize new habitats - such as newly established reefs.
This project was coordinated by DTU Aqua and was funded by the Danish Minestry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries and the European Fisheries Fund (EFF).
Research area: Costal Ecology
A review on the importance of cold temperate reefs was requested. The review summary highlighted the following. Reefs are known for their high species richness and are biologically very productive. They are home to many fish using reefs for refuge. In particular cavernous reefs with high complexity and many small niches (between and around stones) are characterized by high species diversity, high productivity and have an important function as a feeding area for many species of fish and marine mammals.
There are no quantitative estimates of the impact and effects of reefs for fish stocks in Danish waters. However, the relationship between refuge options and survival was shown for goby, as well as for juvenile cod. Larger cod are attracted to reefs during autumn before they start their spawning migration. Results of the first reef restoration project in Danish waters showed a clear development of both macro-algae and benthic fauna and in fish abundance for fish normally associated with reefs. The many fish had probably attracted porpoises, which are now observed more frequently and for longer periods in the area. The European lobster occurs in salty water (> 25 parts per thousand) at 2-40 m depth around vegetated reefs or rocky ground, and therefore, this habitat is an important habitat for lobster. Of the sessile invertebrates highlighted, mussels were found in several different types of habitats, including reefs and is one of the species that are first to colonize new habitats - such as newly established reefs.
This project was coordinated by DTU Aqua and was funded by the Danish Minestry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries and the European Fisheries Fund (EFF).
Research area: Costal Ecology
| Status | Finished |
|---|---|
| Effective start/end date | 01/01/2013 → 15/02/2013 |