A sample of 12 artificial reef managers was examined in a study [43] of the status
of United States artificial reef programmes in relation to administration, budgeting,
siting, promotion, education, evaluation, etc. Borne from this survey was the
realisation that there is no single approach to addressing these aspects. Management
systems were based on individual experiences with their own historical, social,
economic and political factors. The study stressed the importance of management
efficiency including rational siting, extensive consultation and adequate evaluation.
A further study [44] expresses the importance of managers working closely with the
M. Baine / Ocean & Coastal Management 44 (2001) 241–259 255
users. Indeed, there are many aspects of management worthy of individual extensive
attention including socio-economics and economic evaluation [45,46], conflict
analysis [47], siting [48] and design [49].
It is also necessary to raise the question of whether artificial reefs are the most
appropriate solution to a problem [50]. It is important that any management solution
to a problem, particularly one which incorporates the placement of artificial
structures in the sea (perhaps more so in terms of the use of waste material), is shown
to be the most effective long-term option. The profile of artificial reefs has recently
come under closer scrutiny in terms of the acceptability of placing structures in the
North-east Atlantic, with the production of OSPAR guidelines on artificial reefs in
relation to living marine resources [51]. These guidelines stress the need of the
following for the justification of an artificial reef project:
* environmental impact assessment;
* expected benefits;
* evaluation of alternative designs and placement methods; and
* provision for baseline studies