Impacts of Artificial Reefs on Artisanal Fishers

Abstract

The aim of this chapter is to report the perception of artisanal fishers regarding long-term implementation impacts of artificial reefs in the northern coast of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Data was collected through 60 interviews with local and regional artisanal fishers. The fishers stated an increase in fish abundance and species richness around the reef complex and consider it very important for local fisheries due to its ability to attract commercial species. These findings were clearly supported by their positive perception regarding the installation of reef balls and how these structures have benefited the local and regional fishing community over time (>25 years). In addition, the data confirms that the presence of different species in the reef complex is due to an increase of consolidated and stable substrate, which provides several types of prey and habitat for recruitment and shelter.