[Coral-List] Re: Conch as artificial reef

[Karen McLeod]

Hi Kirstie -
In my experience based on research conducted in the Bahamas (near Lee
Stocking Island), conch shells made great substrates for the settlement of
small fishes such as damselfish and wrasses.  However, no corals (not even
fire coral!) recruited to these shells over a 3 year period.  I would
suggest using them in combination with other substrates to increase the
diversity of potential recruits (of both fish and inverts), rather than
using only conch shells.  What kind of pilot study are you planning to do?

Good luck!

Karen McLeod
COMPASS, Oregon State University


-----Original Message-----
From: coral-list-bounces at coral.aoml.noaa.gov
[mailto:coral-list-bounces at coral.aoml.noaa.gov]On Behalf Of Greenforce
Bahamas
Sent: Thursday, January 22, 2004 4:57 PM
To: coral-list at coral.aoml.noaa.gov
Subject: [Coral-List] Conch as artificial reef


Hi,

Have been considering using conch shells to construct an artificial reef for
a pilot study. Has anyone used conch shells for this purpose before. Any
advice? Are they a good substrate for coral recuitment? Have they been
successful for such purposes in the past? Are there any recommendation
regarding citation of artificial reefs, other than depending on goals of
reef use?

Many thanks,

Kirstie Knowles (Science co-ordinator) and the Greenforce, Bahamas team.



Greenforce Bahamas
Blanket Sound
Andros Island
Bahamas
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