Artificial Reef Zones

To address the overuse of fisheries resource, launching of artificial reefs has been used worldwide for rebuilding of fishing grounds and enhancement of their environment. Apart from restocking of fisheries resources and development of multi-dimensional ecological environments, artificial reefs can be diverted to such multifunctional developments as angling sites and marine tourism attractions. Also, artificial reefs launched in reef protection zones form a barrier along the coastal sea to protect taking of fisheries resources by illegal trawl fishing and thus safeguarding the environment of coastal habitats. 

The government of Taiwan began planning artificial reef zones and launching of artificial reefs in 1974. So far, 89 artificial reef zones and 62 reef protection zones have been established. Scientific assessments and surveys were conducted before and after the launching of the reefs, and such work will continue in a scientifically sound approach while paying attention to environmental and ecological protection, and sustainable fisheries operation. Today, about 220,000 lamppost reefs, ship reefs, and metal reefs have been launched, and guidance is given to local governments, fishermen’s associations, and related conservation groups to establish proper management mechanisms, in order to demonstrate the given functions of fishing grounds formed by artificial reefs.