Tracking Temporal Shifts in Community Composition of a New Artificial Reef Compared to Established Natural and Artificial Reefs in Southern California

The restoration of lost marine habitats through artificial reefs has long been explored, but the extent to which these structures can fully replicate the ecological “novel” conditions of natural reefs remains uncertain. This study investigates whether the community structure of a newly deployed artificial reef in southern California (PVR), resembles those of nearby natural reefs or established artificial systems. While artificial reefs may exhibit high biodiversity and productivity, these metrics alone may not indicate that the reef has returned to its natural condition. Preliminary findings indicate shifts in community composition over time, providing insights for future long-term monitoring and the establishment of a baseline ecological state at PVR.