Gulf Artificial Reef Monitoring and Assessment Program

The hurricanes in the Gulf over the last decade and the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill disaster have underlined the fact that we need to establish baseline data on the vast array of artificial reef habitats in the Gulf of Mexico. By collecting and analyzing this much needed data, states will be able to accurately predict how new artificial reefs will function over time and characterize the spatial and temporal distribution of commercially and recreationally important species utilizing their artificial reef habitats. It will also permit them to compare how their artificial reef habitats are functioning compared to natural reefs. Furthermore, having a database of artificial reef habitat condition and the density and richness of the species that utilize them, will allow states to assess impacts to the habitat from future natural and man-made disasters.

Predict how new artificial reefs will function over time and characterize the spatial and temporal distribution of commercially and recreationally important species utilizing their artificial reef habitats.