Artificial Seaweed Reefs That Support the Establishment of Submerged Aquatic Vegetation Beds and Facilitate Ocean Macroalgal Afforestation: A Review

Abstract

Macroalgae are invaluable constituents of marine forest environments and important sources of material for human needs. However, they are currently at risk of severe decline due to global warming and negative anthropogenic factors. Restoration efforts focus on beds where macroalgae previously existed, as well as the creation of new marine forests. Some artificial seaweed reefs (ASRs) have succeeded but others have failed; the contributions of ASRs to marine forest formation have been not fully determined. Here, we review ASRs, the benefits of macroalgal forests, threats to macroalgae, restoration, and marine forest formation to explore the current status of ASRs. The published literature indicates that ASRs have played critical roles in marine forest formation; notably, they support the establishment of submerged aquatic vegetation beds that allow ocean macroalgal afforestation. ASRs have evolved in terms of complexity and the materials used; they can sustainably mitigate marine deforestation. However, continuous reviews of ASR performance are essential, and performance improvements are always possible.