Enhancing Ecosystem Services: The Role of Artificial Reefs

Abstract

Artificial reefs (AR) are human made structures deployed in the seabed to provide multiple economic, social, and ecological benefits. AR have emerged as a highly effective strategy to provide ecosystem services, such as habitat protection and restoration. Despite their acknowledged benefits, there remains a limited understanding of how these reefs are currently being used by the local communities. Ecosystem services (EC) are tangible and intangible benefits that the ecosystems provide to humans. The present study aims to identify the EC provided by the AR located on the south coast of Portugal. To achieve this, a literature review was done to set a baseline and find out what has been published in this research area.