Marine Ecosystem Enhancement on a Geotextile Coastal Protection Reef - Narrowneck Reef Case Study -

Abstract

The Narrowneck Artificial Reef [Gold Coast, Australia] was constructed in 1999/2000 out of large sand-filled geotextile containers. It quickly became evident that the containers provided an excellent substrate for marine flora and the development of a diverse ecosystem. As a result, the reef has become popular with locals for fishing, diving, snorkeling and spearfishing. In the years since it was constructed, monitoring of the ecological aspects of the reef has been undertaken. While macroalgae and pelagic fish dominate the reef, it is also home to a wide variety of benthos, fish and other marine fauna. Influenced by the East Australia Current and wave action from the Pacific Ocean, driven by the South East Trade Winds, the reef exhibits a different community structure in comparison to other natural reefs of the Gold Coast. The popularity of the Narrowneck Reef has clearly shown that enhancing the ecological environment and improving recreational amenity have potential benefits on eco-tourism as well as local biodiversity.