Question

Several Gulf Coast states most notably Florida but also AL and TX have started artificial coral reef programs off of their coasts. From your knowledge of the structure of coral reefs and their requirements to establish describe what is involved in starting and artificial reef and given the bottom characteristics along the Gulf Coast why these steps are necessary. Also explain why states like Mass. Washington, and Maine have not started similar programs.

Answer 1

Answer:

A coral reaf is a underwater ridge which is formed by the growth and deposit of coral.

Artificial coral reefs are important in Gulf coast states because these areas have relatively few natural coral reefs and sea floor consists mostly of mud and sand. Artifical coral reefs provide hard surfaces for different marine species for growth and development. Moreover, offshore oil and gas platforms that are present in  Gulf of Mexico, have acted as platforms for artificial reefs.

Artifical coral reef consists of fiberglass mold which if filled with concrete or limestone, contains a polyform bladder and its base is made of plywood.

There are several benefits of artificial reef program such as:

• Development of fishing grounds
• Improvement in economies of local communities
• Habitat for smaller organisms that are used as food for other marine species
• Commercial fishery enhancement, promotion of aquaculture related activities, recreational activities etc.

States like Mass. Washington and Maine have not started similar programs because there regions already contains natural coral reefs.