Almost 40 years have passed since the first artificial fish reef was installed to enrich the diversity of fishes along the coasts of Korea. By the investigation of present situation and a case study of an developing artificial reef, strategic prospect of the artificial reefs was studied in this study. In Korea, quantitative growth rate of artificial reef construction is supposed to reach the peak point therefore, new approach is needed to the point of artificial reefs business. From concrete to complex materials like shell, rocks, timber and steel, the material and the size of the artificial reefs is getting various. Functional reefs like shellfish reefs, recreational reefs, seaweed reefs as well as fish reefs are beneficial alternatives.
As a case study, development and survey of its effects of a test reef - Tetra-type® artificial reef was introduced in this study. This was stable against tide and wave forces. High specific surface area provided abundant site for oceanic lives. To be selected and installed for an approval reefs, effectiveness survey for one year was carried. The survey results showed that the diversity of species was increased and the catchment of fish was increased as much as two to three times.
Investment of artificial reef will be shift from quantitative growth to qualitative growth. To avoid the burying of reefs, weak soil ground should be avoid for the site and persistent monitoring and management is necessary for the installed artificial reefs. Biologically attractive materials should be studied for the reefs and functional reefs for leasure like fishing or snorkeling is also developed. Because tidal current or residental sealives are not similar to each coasts, coast-oriented reefs are needed. It means that the various structure, size, weight and materials reflecting local coast are necessary.