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| The extraction of large boulders from coastal reefs for construction of harbours and coastal protection
has led to habitat degradation for local fish populations through the destruction of cavernous
reefs and changes in macroalgal cover resulting from a loss of substrate. The temperate
reef at Læsø Trindel in Kattegat, Denmark, has now been re-established with the aim of restoring
the reef’s historical structure and function. The effects of the restoration on the local fish community
are reported here. Fishing surveys using gillnets and fyke nets were conducted before the
restoration (2007) and four years after the restoration of the reef (2012). Species of the family
Labridae, which have a high affinity for rocky reefs, dominated both before and after the restoration.
Commercially important species such as cod Gadus morhua, and saithe Pollachius virens, occurred
infrequently in the catches in 2007 but were significantly more abundant in the catches in
2012. Cods were especially attracted to the shallow part of the reef that was restored by adding
stones. For some species, such as ballan wrasse Labrus bergylta, and cod, the proportion of larger
individuals increased after the restoration. The findings highlight the importance of reef habitats
for fish communities and the need for their protection. | |
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