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Marine habitats can be enhanced by the addition of existing artificial reefs such as ships, breakwaters, jetties, groynes and reef balls.
Coastal developments can capitalise on the new underwater habitat created by using reef balls to increase the productivity of straight and smooth seawalls, canal bottoms, and jetties. Reef balls can also help reduce boat wash within enclosed waters.
Research has shown that reef ball reefs can attract and support the same or greater diversity and abundance of species as natural reefs. Therefore a carefully designed reef using reef balls is a viable option for offsetting environmental impacts.
Reef balls have been used extensively for environmental offsets in the United States, and they have recently been used in Western Australia to offset damage likely to occur from port expansion. It is proposed they would be used extensively in the internal waters of NPQ, creating a rich marine habitat.
Reef balls can be used for a range of applications including the reestablishment of productive reef in barren or degraded areas such as those off Rous Head. Reefs can also be designed to attract specific fish species.
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