Action Summary:
Eight subtidal reefs were established seaward of the Deltaport Terminal facility (container port) as part of the compensation package for the Deltaport Third Berth Project (DP3). Diversity and abundance of algae, fish and invertebrates were compared to two reference reefs.
Lessons Learned:
This project was not highly successful, with abundance and diversity of regenerated sites lower than control sites. There is a lack of information about artificial reef structure, and algae colonisation and mortality.
Project Outcomes:
Expansion sites had lower diversity and abundance compared to reference sites. Diversity of algae, epibenthic invertebrates and fish increased on all reef types from 2009-2010. Expansion reefs exhibited moderate to abundant levels of red and brown algae colonisation. The quantity of biota on the expansion reefs varied depending on factors including substrate, location and depth.
