Side-Scan Sonar Coupled with Scuba Diving Observation for Enhanced Monitoring of Benthic Artificial Reefs along the Coast of Terengganu, Peninsular Malaysia

Since the 1970s, artificial reef (AR) deployment has been one of common approaches to augment local production coastal fish in Malaysia. However, there is a lack strategy assess and evaluate success pre-deployed AR. Realizing need for an effective qualitative quantitative monitoring evaluation AR, this study proposes side-scan sonar coupled with scuba diving observation enhanced Bioceramic Korean (BK) AR along coast Terengganu, Peninsular This method employs integrated data acquisition system detection precise location BK which were deployed at Tukun Telaga Batin off Terengganu coastline 2003 by Fisheries Development Authority Malaysia (FDAM). Following determination exact three areas, team was sent survey physical conditions feasibility as habitat marine life. The scan images compared captured photographs videos acquired during session comprehensive value-added assessment. collected from also processed measure diversity, biomass, identify community surrounding Based on results, remained extremely good condition, physically intact, without significant breakage or damage, no major subsidence into sediment after 19 years deployment. A total 108 modules detected large groups using mosaicked images. cross-examination validate measurements AR’s shadows seafloor, height consistently ranged 1.7 m 1.8 m. In addition, 34 species 14 families 26 genera identified, most classified reef-associated (RA) biomass value 1173.31 ± 1136.69 kg m?3, indicating successfulness fish-aggregating devices (FADs). growth hard corals top bioceramic plate module further supported diversified life conclusion, demonstrates technique recommended be utilized determine pre-deployment