Colonization of a Nearshore Artificial Reef at Boca Raton (Palm Beach County), Florida

Seasonal recruitment and community development of a shallow water, limestone boulder artificial reef were studied from reef construction, in April 1988, to July 1990. Seasonality was recorded for juvenile, intermediate, and adult life history stages. Seasonality could not be confirmed for either the invertebrate or algal community due to the temporary, unexpected burial of four out of six sampling sites. Species diversity within the fish community reached an equilibrium 2–2.5 months following reef placement. Equilibrium was not attained by invertebrates or algae, nor was there evidence of true ecological succession beyond the earliest stages. Instead, the reef appeared to be maintained in an early stage of development as a result of frequent physical disturbance.