In response to the effects of growing populations and human-induced climate change such as coastal erosion, diverse forms of coastal structures have been proposed and built. However, increasing urbanisation and coastal engineering are causing detrimental changes to local biodiversity levels. This study examined the biodiversity within exposed artificial rock pools ten years after their construction within a causeway to analyse the effectiveness and functionality of eco-engineered rock pools. In total, 82 different taxa were identified from 11 different phyla. Results show that the pools appear to be effective at maintaining biodiversity over long periods. While there was an increase in the number of species observed among artificial rock pools between 2015 and 2023, the increase was not significant. Functional diversity was largely retained. Lower pools were more diverse than upper pools. Water samples were also taken to investigate the presence of microplastics in the bay. There were significantly more MPs found per litre of water in the pools at the upper shore height than in the lower shore pools. Results can be used to aid policymakers regarding coastal engineering projects and marine pollution.
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