Man-made reefs attract more small fish than natural reefs, say researchers in Australia.
The finding, reported by ABC News, show that the smaller fish are drawn into the habitat and in turn encourage predatory fish and help to revive the entire natural ecosystem.
Scientists at the University of New South Wales have been monitoring the effectiveness of artificial reefs compared to natural reefs.
Dr Iain Suthers said: “Because natural reefs get eroded and worn down, they don’t have that vertical relief. Some artificial reefs are around nine metres high…tall enough to reach up to the surface waters where the plankton is.
“They create a habitat where small fish feel protected and have plenty of zooplankton to eat.”
