Influence of artificial reefs on coastal nekton assemblages of the Gulf of Castellammare (northwest Sicily)

Surveys were carried out in 1990-1991 at three different sites: the artificial reef area (ARA), a natural rocky area (NRA) and a control area on a sandy bottom (CA). ARA had significantly more species and a greater number of specimens than CA but no significant difference in catches was recorded, while a general similarity in the nekton assemblage was found comparing ARA and NRA. Overall, ARA displays features intermediate between the two natural sites tested, and the variability of its assemblage could be attributed to the availability of shelter and to the benthic settlement on the concrete boulders. -from Authors