Project Reef 2000:Final Report. May 1998- August 2000

• Main Authors: Wilding, Thomas, Sayer, Martin
• Format: Book
• Language: English
• Published: Scottish Association for Marine Science 2000
• Subjects: DML
• Online Access: https://pure.uhi.ac.uk/en/publications/9fbcd6bd-412c-4947-940c-bc228c7f0b86; https://pureadmin.uhi.ac.uk/ws/files/22987104/231_Wilding_TA_Project_Reef_2000.pdf

1 - EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Artificial reefs are man made structures placed on the seabed in order to simulate a natural reef in some way. Artificial reefs are used world-wide for a variety of purposes including sea defence, habitat protection and for fisheries enhancement. In 1996 the Marine Resource Initiative commissioned a preliminary study into artificial reefs (Wilding and Sayer 1996) which concluded that they have considerable potential on the west coast of Scotland, provided cost-effective construction materials can be sourced. Artificial reefs were also identified as having an unprecedented capacity to augment and complement the ongoing research, within the Dunstaffnage Marine Laboratory (DML), into the factors affecting the performance and behaviour of natural reefs. Foster Yeoman Limited own the Glensanda Quarry, on the Morvern peninsular, which produces granite aggregates and has an annual production of ca. six million tonnes. Following aggregate crushing and processing contaminating dust is removed by washing. This produces a fine aggregate by-product that currently has negligible value. In 1997, Foster Yeoman Limited commissioned a further study to examine if granitic by-products could be used in the manufacture of concrete blocks suitable for use in artificial reef construction (Wilding and Sayer 1997). During this study contact was made with the Mallaig and North-West Fishermen’s Association and a preliminary site, on the east side of Lismore, Argyll, was identified (August 1997) and surveyed. Aspects of the licensing procedure were also investigated and contacts made with both statutory authorities and Lismore fishermen. During the current study (May 1998- July 2000) the proposed site has been characterised and appears ideal for the proposed reef. The proposal has been widely publicised, locally and nationally, via the press and internationally through conference presentations. During this phase a robust concrete block, which has been shown to be chemically inert, has been developed. The proposed reef ...