Structure in the Sea

Structure in the Sea is a scholarly review of the history, development, status, and emerging trends in research, technology, and applications of artificial reef habitats and allied sea floor structures in the world’s oceans. Its aims are (1) to serve and inform those seeking to understand, utilize and add to the research of modern reef deployment efforts and (2) guide and equip stakeholders requiring technical foundations and best practices to participate sustainably in the context of ecosystem management. Topics include materials, designs and construction methods used across the globe by those who build reefs; the ecology of these structures including key aspects of life history of plants and animals associated with artificial reefs; evaluation of biological, engineering, social and economic performance of human-built reefs and related structures; and the current and potential role of underwater structure in management of ocean resources such as in marine protected areas, sustainable fisheries and marine ranching, and community economic development. Due to the large collective footprint of other human-made structures on the floor of the ocean, such as shipwrecks, breakwaters, energy production platforms and pipelines (“secondary reefs”), the book offers important coverage of them in their unintended but significant role as de facto reefs. Rigorous research addressing ecological, economic and engineering questions, coupled with the innovative deployment of structures worldwide by diverse stakeholders, have created a synergy that makes Structure in the Sea a valuable synthesis and analysis for this growing subject. Thus, its broad audience includes Marine (coastal and ocean) environmental sciences, including: aquatic ecologists, those working in ocean sustainability and conservation, benthic habitat and coral reef restoration practitioners, marine policy and management thought leaders. Presents a new perspective on how we might save natural wonders under threat Provides a representation of reefs, showing the economic and humanitarian value of these natural ecosystems Unlocks potentials for solutions to a huge conservation threat, through global case studies