Artificial reef application from the Iskenderun Bay, Northeastern Mediterranean, Turkey; an experimental study

Abstract

The aim of this study is to analyze the changes of economic fish species in the Iskenderun Bay by providing life and conservation area for fish species. Therefore, the study was carried out by building 172 artificial reefs (150 cubic and 22 octagonal) in September 2013, on the southern coastline of the Iskenderun Bay 7-8 m in depths far from the 300 m shore, located in the Eastern Mediterranean. The visual census technique was done to state fish species and abundance. Observations were made with four scuba dives between January 2014 and October 2014. As a result of these observations, 121 individuals belonging to 7 fish species were detected. The maximum number of individuals (32) in the sample were Mugil spp. it belongs to species. The minimum number of individuals of observed species were Lichia amia (1) and Epinephelus spp. (1). Furthermore, it was observed that mollusk varieties and some algae species which are Codium fragile and Laurensia papillosa were located.Keywords: Artificial Reef, Iskenderun Bay, Northeastern Mediterranean, Visual Census Technique