International Journal of Marine Science, 2024, Vol.14, No.1, 29-39 http://www.aquapublisher.com/index.php/ijms 35 primarily affect fish assemblage descriptors also (Thurner et al., 2018). Finally, acknowledging potential data errors is important, introducing uncertainty that might affect dataset robustness. Employing a deliberate approach to address this issue, viewing errors as potential aids in more robust comparisons is crucial. Assuming uniform error distribution across all dataset samples, including variables like season and zone allows more reliable comparisons even in the presence of data errors (Thurner et al., 2018). Artificial barriers often positively impact fish diversity and abundance (Watson et al., 2005). Previous Western Mediterranean studies highlight similar effects, suggesting a general dynamic (Bayle-Sempere et al., 2001; Charbonnel et al., 2002; Relini et al., 2002a). Habitat heterogeneity, often facilitated by these structures, increases fish species numbers and interaction complexity, enhancing community stability against perturbations (Montoya et al., 2006; Carpenter et al., 2006; Thurner et al., 2018). Colonization by sedentary animals and plants relying on hard substrates for life cycles enhances juvenile recruitment across fish and crustacean decapod species (Pitcher and Seaman, 2000; Jensen, 2002; Moreno, 2002). This colonization process crucially establishes benthic ecosystems, connecting benthos and plankton. Examining ARs’ impact on animal behaviour is essential. Fish schools’ positioning based on reef orientation optimizes swimming efficiency, minimizing drag during strong currents episodes, particularly in D. vulgaris and other species near ARs (Bayle-Sempere et al., 2001; Condal et al., 2012; 2020). Cleaning stations formed by small Labridae species further drive fish aggregation. Researchers (Charbonnel et al., 2002) suggest fish are drawn to reefs to enhance feeding efficiency, with energy transfer to fish through decapods, amphipods, and juvenile fish concentrated in these structures (Relini et al., 2002a). Restoration structures like ARs attract also fish populations significantly. However, outcomes are influenced by spatial and temporal variability, necessitating nuanced differentiation between fish density and habitat capacity increases. As noted by Polivka (2022), while these structures may elevate fish densities, changes may not solely arise from fish number surges. Enhanced fish populations might relate to additional, more suitable habitats, attracting fish from other areas. Thus, deeper research into these dynamics is crucial for effective restoration strategies and sustainable aquatic ecosystem management (Polivka, 2022). However, recent studies emphasize the production versus attraction debate (Cresson et al., 2014; 2019). These studies employing carbon isotopes demonstrate fish biomass production using organic matter from pelagic sources, especially in the largest Mediterranean AR system. They highlight ARs’ effectiveness in supporting biomass production and trophic organization within ecosystems (Cresson et al., 2019). Invertebrate species’ direct reliance on locally produced organic matter, primarily from filter-feeding organisms on ARs, suggests pelagic sources’ significant contribution to organic matter. Stable isotope ratios confirm ARs as a food source, positioning fishes within the trophic network, reliant on AR-provided resources. This holistic view of ARs’ ecological dynamics forms a valuable foundation for future research and informs coastal zone management strategies encompassing both natural and ARs (Koeck et al., 2011; 2014). In summary, detailed studies exploring structure/complexity and species/community prevalence relationships are essential. Our underwater video-imaging protocol offers advantages over traditional diver surveys. This research significantly contributes to the AR debate in marine ecosystems. It effectively demonstrates ARs’ role in supporting biomass production and vital food sources for fish populations, emphasizing their importance in managing damaged coastal areas, potentially enhancing biodiversity, fisheries, and eco-tourism. The positive impact of high-complexity artificial reefs on marine succession and biodiversity carries significant implications for marine conservation strategies, particularly within marine protected areas (MPAs) and fisheries management. These artificial reefs serve as vital habitats, fostering a diverse array of marine organisms by mimicking natural reef environments. They promote biodiversity by providing shelter and refuge for various species, including corals, algae, and fish, thus enhancing overall ecosystem health. Moreover, artificial reefs act as important nursery and feeding grounds for fish, supporting enhanced fish stocks and contributing to sustainable fisheries management. Additionally, these reefs facilitate habitat connectivity, allowing marine organisms to migrate between natural reef systems, thereby promoting genetic diversity and ecosystem resilience. Integrating high-complexity artificial reefs into MPA design and fisheries management strategies offers multiple benefits, including the protection of sensitive
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