The proximity of the two Rigs to Reefs projects and an operating oil and gas platform to the natural coral formations of the Flower Gardens (WFGB) afforded us the opportunity to not only compare several platform configurations, but also to compare the fish communities at "artificial reefs" to that of a neighboring natural system. It was therefore the purpose of this study to compare the fish communities associated with an operating oil and gas platform, two artificial reef configurations, and the WFGB. Reef configurations included a production platform toppled in place as a deep water artificial reef (West Cameron 617A), a nearby partially removed platform (High Island A355), and an operating production platform (High Island A350). We sought to identify species composition at each site; to estimate the fish biomass/density associated with each site; to determine the effects of side, depth, and distance from each site on fish biomass. Comparisons were then made between these sites and to other sites that had been surveyed.

SUMMARYThe proximity of the two Rigs to Reefs projects and an operating oil and gas platform tothe natural coral formations of the Flower Gardens (WFGB) afforded us the opportunity to notonly compare several platform configurations, but also to compare the fish communities at"artificial reefs" to that of a neighboring natural system. It was therefore the purpose of thisstudy to compare the fish communities associated with an operating oil and gas platform, twoartificial reef configurations, and the WFGB. Reef configurations included a productionplatform toppled in place as a deep water artificial reef

Most European seas articifial reef (AR) programmes are included in this book. Interests in ARs are varied, ranging from the "expected" fishery enhancement through mariculture and ranching, nutrient removal and into environmental and habitat protection and nature conservation.

A hands-on artificial reef builder, recreational boater, and sport-fisherman explores natural and artificial fishing reefs, ruins, wrecks, and obstructions in the Chesapeake Bay and tidal Potomac River, from Pooles Island in the Upper Bay to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, and also in the upper tidal Potomac River. He discusses how, where, and what to look for from a sport fisherman's perspective, and walks readers through armchair use of modern tech websites to scout fishing hotspots. Continuing the illustrated narrative voyage begun in "Bridges Under Troubled Waters: Upper Chesapeake and Tidal Potomac Fishing Reefs" (2018), this second volume in the series with a Foreword by Lenny Rudow, expands coverage of shoreline structures, natural and artificial bottom structures, wrecks, and obstructions where striped bass, redfish, speckled trout, cobia, and other predators forage in Maryland. There's also full coverage of Virginia's Bay artificial reefs with graphic layouts plus details about nearby natural structure, wrecks and obstructions. The location and configuration of rediscovered "lost" and "bandit" artificial reefs and wrecks are disclosed along with a selection of natural features not shown on nautical charts. Also covered are ruins of lost lighthouses, compromised and failing shore protection structures, submerged fallen timber, disappearing islands, and Reef Balls at fishing reefs and oyster restoration sites. Reef descriptions are supported by a selection of pictures, sonar imaging, and computer-generated graphics to aid in visualizing specific reef structures and layouts. Designed for jump-starting the acquisition of local knowledge about light-tackle fishing structure by casual and journeyman sport fisherman, there are jewels of information inside for sportfishing veterans as well, including underwater pictures and sonar-scan images contributed by guides and sonar and side-imaging enthusiasts. A selection of color graphics used to produce the greyscale images in the book are found on the Facebook page for this series, "Chesapeake Bay Fishing Reefs", and featured in previews and excerpts by the author found on the FishTalk Magazine Where to Fish webpage. This is first and foremost a book for fisherman that provides practical methods to find and prospect structure that attracts sport fish, while also drawing on lessons from the author's Coast Guard service and Bay restoration and fishing experience to encourage boating and fishing safety.

What is life like in a coral reef? What do corals eat? Why are corals more colorful at nighttime? Learn about some of the most beautiful locations in the natural world Marine biologists believe coral reefs existed 400 million years ago, when dinosaurs roamed the earth. Today this active environment is home to about 20,000 kinds of brilliantly colored corals, plants, and animals--more sea creatures than are found anywhere else in the world. The Great Barrier Reef in Australia is so large that astronauts can see it from outer space! Children in early elementary grades will enjoy Gibbon's informative text and clear, detailed illustrations on this journey into the unique lives of coral reefs.