Differences between artificial structures and natural reefs in recruiting non-indigenous and native species

Ketelaars, Mike (2023) Differences between artificial structures and natural reefs in recruiting non-indigenous and native species. Bachelor's Thesis, Biology.

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Abstract

The growing urbanization of coastal zones is providing more artificial hard substrate structures that create new habitats for non-indigenous and native species to settle. These artificial structures provide different habitats compared to natural rocky reefs that are more susceptible to invasions of Non-Indigenous Species (NIS). Only it is unclear why artificial structures are more suitable for NIS and what the differences are for native species. This report consist out of a literature study that is comparing natural rocky reefs with different artificial structures and their orientation on the composition of non-indigenous and native species. The study showed that natural rocky reefs and artificial structures are different habitats due to their variations in habitat features and environmental conditions. It also showed that floating artificial structures are more susceptible for NIS compared to other artificial structures and that NIS will dominate vertical artificial surfaces compared to native species who tend to dominate horizontal surfaces. All this information can be used in the design and placement of artificial structures to make them repel NIS and attract. But there needs to be more research on the effect of orientation of different substrates on non-indigenous and native species and the danger of floating artificial structures in different conditions outside of ports and marinas.

Item Type:	Thesis (Bachelor's Thesis)
Supervisor name:	Meij, S.E.T. van der
Degree programme:	Biology
Thesis type:	Bachelor's Thesis
Language:	English
Date Deposited:	29 Jan 2024 10:59
Last Modified:	29 Jan 2024 10:59
URI:	https://fse.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/31853

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