Improving costal marine habitats in the northern yellow sea: The role of artificial reefs on macrobenthic communities and eco-exergy

Abstract

The deployment of artificial reefs can significantly enhance coastal ecosystems and restore biological resources, serving as a crucial method for the recovery of nearshore marine habitats and fisheries. Macrobenthos are crucial in marine ecosystems. They are also highly sensitive to environmental changes. It is essential to understand the community dynamics and thermodynamic indicators of macrobenthos in different reef habitats. This helps assess the ecological effects of artificial reef construction. This study, based on data from the northern coastal areas of the Yellow Sea, examines the differences in community structure and ecological integrity of macrobenthos across different types of artificial reef habits and natural habitats in this region. The results indicate that both seasonal changes and reef types significantly influence the composition of macrobenthic communities. While the construction of artificial reefs did not alter the dominant species of macrobenthos, it did change their relative abundance. Notably, artificial reef habitats showed significantly higher species richness, abundance, biodiversity, and eco-exergy of macrobenthic communities compared to natural habitats. Among these, rock artificial reefs showed the most pronounced differences. This study shows that the construction of artificial reefs boosts the diversity and ecological integrity of macrobenthic communities in nearby waters. It provides crucial data on how these communities respond to various types of artificial reefs. Additionally, it offers a comprehensive insight into the ecological benefits of constructing artificial reef habitats.