User Views Of Artificial Reef Management In The Southeast

This paper reports on a survey of individuals representing sport fishermen, sport divers, commercial fishermen and environmentalists in North Carolina, Florida and Texas. The purpose of the survey was fourfold: (1) to document the awareness and use of artificial reefs by different user groups; (2) to examine the priorities placed on artificial reef building activities in relation to other fishery groups; (3) to identify major concerns of artificial reef programs by user groups; and (4) to report on the acceptance of various management measures which could be used to minimize artificial reef conflicts. The questionnaire return rate was 43.6% (721 returns). The report profiles artificial reef users, examines their general knowledge and use of artificial reefs, and identifies their views on artificial reef administration, funding, siting, construction, information, evaluation, conflict experiences and acceptance of management restrictions. Grant no. NA90AA-D-SG062