title: Ecology of artificial reefs in the subtropics.
abstract: The application of artificial reefs (ARs) has a long history, and there is a wealth of information related to the design and performance of ARs in coastal and ocean waters worldwide. However, relatively fewer studies in the literature are focused on the response of benthic communities within the reef areas than those on fish attraction and fish production and on the settlement and colonization of epibiota on the AR structures, especially in the subtropics where seasonal differences and environmental conditions can be large. Recent advances in the understanding of the ecology of ARs in the subtropics are highlighted, with a focus on fish attraction versus fish production, development of epibiota on AR systems and responses of in situ benthic communities in the reef areas. Data are also presented on studies of trophic relationships in subtropical AR systems, and further research areas using analyses of biological traits, stable isotope signatures and fatty acid profiles in investigating the ecology of ARs are proposed.
authors: Department of Biology and Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong; State Key Laboratory in Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong. Electronic address: bhpshin@cityu.edu.hk.
authors: Paul K S
authors: PK
authors: Shin
authors: Department of Biology and Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong; State Key Laboratory in Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
authors: Siu Gin
authors: SG
authors: Cheung
authors: Department of Biology and Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
authors: Tsui Yun
authors: TY
authors: Tsang
authors: Department of Biology and Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
authors: Ho Yin
authors: HY
authors: Wai
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002980:Climate; D017753:Ecosystem; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D005399:Fishes; D009792:Oceans and Seas
keywords: Artificial reefs; Benthic communities; Colonization; Seabed environments; Subtropical environment; Trophodynamics