EARLY COLONIZATION BY FISH OF AN ARTIFICIAL REEF IN FALSE BAY, SOUTH AFRICA

SUMMARY

A frigate was deliberately sunk in August 1978 in False Bay, in 32 metres of water, with a view to creating an artificial reef. Fish attracted to the reef were counted monthly until September 1979. After four months there was an appreciable fish community dominated by reef-associated Sparidae, mainly Pachymetopon blochii and Sarpa salpa. Non-reef-associated filter feeders used the reef as shelter from time to time. The majority of the reef-associated species were transient and capable of moving from reef to reef; there were very few permanent residents. The community was compared with that of a nearby artificial reef created in 1972. The possible effects of the reef profile on the community are discussed. It is concluded that the establishment of a few artificial reefs of a similarly small size is unlikely to improve fish catches in False Bay.