Abstract
Stability and durability of the artificial reefs (ARs) installed for wildstock enhancement have been a key issue. We surveyed the stability of 4,044 artificial reefs installed at 5 sites (Gangeung, Donghae, Samcheok, Goseong. and Yangyang) along the Gangwon coast of the East Sea (Sea of Japan) through which 1 to 5 typhoons pass annually. The ARs surveyed were 7 types aging 1 to 4 years. The side scan sonar (SSS) and scuba diving surveys confirmed that the ARs stability was age and type-dependent. A total of 85.56% ARs remained safe. the rest 14.44% being influenced by physical parameters of the waters such as wave extremes mostly caused by typhoons. An interesting observation was that the AR were particulatly vulnerable to the wave extremes in the first year of installation, thereafter being less damageable. Representative damages of the ARs were capsized (0.20%). broken (5.79%), sunk (0.27%), and buried (8.18%). By type, dice reef was most stable. while semicircle branch reef was most vulnerable.
