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Artificial reefs can be defined as natural or man-made structures deployed on the seafloor to influence physical, biological, or socioeconomic processes related to biotic marine resources. Artificial reefs have been used for centuries all around the world to enhance artisanal fish harvests based on the observation that fish are attracted to structure.  By the 1980s, interest in the applicability of artificial reefs as a natural resource management tool began to emerge. Before then the primary goal of artificial reef deployment was to attract and concentrate fish for commercial and artisanal fishing. Although artificial reefs are still used for this purpose today, more emphasis is being placed on the enhancement of fisheries production, mitigation of loss or damage to natural habitats, conservation of biodiversity, as well as recreational fishing and diving.

An assortment of designs, varying in building material, shape, and size, have been used to maximize the success of artificial reefs in fisheries management and habitat mitigation. Around 80% of artificial reefs in the U.S. are constructed from materials of opportunity; the other 20% are built using fabricated materials (Guidelines for Reef Materials, 1994). Materials of opportunity include natural materials such rock, shell, and wood, as well as man-made materials such as concrete, oil rigs, ships, and vehicles.

Understanding the ecological structure and function of artificial reefs is necessary to evaluate the effectiveness of these reefs in meeting their prescribed goals. Although many artificial reef studies have been conducted, questions still remain about the impacts of these reefs on exploitable fish populations, such as whether they help increase fish production or merely make fish more accessible to fishermen without increasing stocks.  Today, there are a total of 67 artificial reef sites in Mississippi Sound and about 15 offshore sites. Although the Artificial Reef Plan lists various objectives, the primary goal of Mississippi Sound artificial reefs is to enhance the production of economically and recreationally important fish, such as black drum, bluefish, flounder, redfish, speckled trout, and white trout.