Marine ecosystems are under increasing pressure from climate change and other anthropogenic stressors, driving biodiversity loss and threatening marine ecosystem resilience. In response, artificial reefs (ARs) have emerged as promising tools to enhance biodiversity and support ecosystem recovery in addition to their socioeconomic benefits, such as fisheries enhancement and coastal protection. However, questions have also emerged as to how best develop and monitor ARs for long-term ecological success. This thesis evaluates the evolution of AR implementation, focusing especially on how design choices, project objectives, and monitoring practices relate to certain ecological and functional outcomes. Through a systematic review and case study of a nature-inspired AR, this study explores context-specific, tailored ARs, which can improve ecological performance. The review culminates in evidence-based recommendations, emphasizing the need for nature-inspired designs, long-term monitoring, and community-based co-management. By bridging historical context with current innovations, this work contributes to the development of more effective, sustainable, and multifunctional ARs for a rapidly changing ocean.
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