Development of Interactive Artificial Reef Deployment Risk Assessment Tool

Project summary:

This project is focused on developing an interactive, evidence-based risk assessment tool to support the planning and deployment of artificial reefs. Specifically, the tool is designed to assess the risk of artificial reefs failing to function effectively as marine habitat. It integrates the latest scientific insights on factors that influence reef performance—including light, noise, chemical pollution, structural design, and environmental context. Using a consequence–likelihood framework and decision tree approach, the tool quantifies potential risks to habitat functionality and provides risk ratings along with tailored mitigation recommendations. Delivered in a user-friendly, Excel-based format, it allows developers, regulators, and managers to input site-specific conditions, explore alternative scenarios, and understand the reasoning behind each risk level. Drawing on research findings and input from stakeholders—including NRE, NRM South, DCCEEW, and the EPA—this tool aims to improve decision-making and maximise the ecological success of artificial reef deployments.

Project leads

• Dr Valeriya Komyakova (Oceans Institute, University of Western Australia; Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania; Centre for Marine-socio ecology, UTAS)
• Tom Coughlin (UTAS)

Project students

• Ariane Easton (BSc, IMAS, UTAS)

Project contributors and collaborators

• Laura Avila Turriago (IMAS, UTAS)
• Ariane Easton (IMAS, UTAS)
• Niclas Einert (IMAS, UTAS)
• Naomi Forrest (IMAS, UTAS)
• Louise B. Firth (University College Cork, Ireland; University of Plymouth, UK)
• Sven Frijlink (Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania, Tasmania)
• Jasmine B. D. Jaffrés (C&R Consulting; James Cook University, Townsville)
• Antony M. Knights (University College Cork, Ireland; University of Plymouth, UK)
• Dale Maschette (IMAS, UTAS; AAD)
• Deepika Satchithananthan (IMAS, UTAS)
• Brigette Wright (IMAS, UTAS; CMS, UTAS)

Project Output

Easton, A., Komyakova, V. and Coughlin, T., 2024. Evaluating ecological risk in artificial habitat failure: A systematic review and risk assessment considering noise and light pollution in the marine environment. Environmental Impact Assessment Review, 107, p.107560. Evaluating ecological risk in artificial habitat failure: A systematic review and risk assessment considering noise and light pollution in the marine environment - ScienceDirect

Funding

Financial support was provided by the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania and the Centre for Marine Socioecology which allowed for the completion of this study.