Configuration Methodology for a Green Variety Reef System (AR group) Based on Hydrodynamic Criteria – Application to the Ría de Ares-Betanzos

Abstract

[Abstract] For the evolution and development of artificial reefs to attain the expected results, hydrodynamics is emerging as a key factor that must be taken analyzed in detail. In particular, thanks to the hydrodynamics of a given coastal area, suitable water circulation and velocity in the reef's interior can increase the yield and the renewal of nutrients favourable for larval settlement, along with reducing the sedimentation.

This document proposes a methodology for determining the geometry of an artificial reef group adapted to the specific characteristics of the selected zone of installation, the Ría de Ares-Betanzos (NW Spain), based on hydrodynamic criteria by defining the Artificial Reef Tool (ART). The starting point of the ART tool is the existing reef model or AR unit's design –a modular construction with productive and protective features. Then a high-resolution hydrodynamic circulation model (HCM) is developed allowing the high-resolution site-specific computation of the flow pattern in the selected area. Finally, the results obtained are used as input for a hydrodynamic model for food delivery prediction (HMFDP), allowing the estimation of the food supply to each module. The results obtained lead to the definition of the geometry of the reef group.