Management Recommendations of Artificial Reefs for Practice of Surfing

Abstract

Artificial reefs are solid structures sunk in the marine environment in order to provide multiple uses and benefits for a large number of potential users. However, their ability to provide best surfing conditions has been the main attractive feature for experiments already carried out in some countries. In this context, this study aims to present a set of recommendations that may contribute to public and private managers who plan to include the deployment of artificial reefs focusing on surfing conditions improvement in many localities. Therefore, this exploratory qualitative research runs from a brief literature review on the subject and a multiple case study - Australia, USA, New Zealand, India and England - to support the reasoning. The results included the innovative nature of this type of structure, requiring a steady improvement in the construction and management methods, long-term monitoring programs to assess effectiveness, challenges in integrating users, public participation in different stages along the process, appropriate expectations management of the shareholders. Since few studies on the topic have been developed to date, the analyses presented in this study may contribute to fill in this knowledge need.