Assemblage of fauna at artificial reef at Miyani estuary Gujarat India

The present investigation was taken up to assess the aquatic flora and fauna associated with artificial reef at Miyani estuary, Gujarat during the period November 2013 to April 2014. Two artificial reef structures were made by using locally available materials viz., bamboos, fishing net pieces and rubber. The structures were prepared measuring size of 1.5x1.5 m & 2.5x2.5m and were installed at proposed study area. The fortnightly sampling was done to collect the samples in artificial reef structure and natural habitat. A total of 46 species were recorded during the study period. A total 38 species recorded in natural habitat area and 8 species exclusively in artificial reef structure which were not recorded in natural habitat. It was observed that artificial reefs helped in increasing the estuarine biodiversity and conservation of estuarine biota. Therefore, artificial reefs have been found to enhance diversity primarily on local scales closely associated with the structures themselves. Artificial reefs may provide an important connection within an existing mosaic of habitats by creating new habitat, or supplementing degraded habitat.