Drill-cored artificial rock pools can promote biodiversity and enhance community structure on coastal rock revetments at reclaimed coastlines of Penang, Malaysia

Published source details Chee S.Y., Wee J.L.S., Wong C., Yee J.C., Yusup Y. & Mujahid A. (2020) Drill-cored artificial rock pools can promote biodiversity and enhance community structure on coastal rock revetments at reclaimed coastlines of Penang, Malaysia. Tropical Conservation Science, 13, 1-15.
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This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

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	Create 'rock pools' on intertidal artificial structures Action Link

Create 'rock pools' on intertidal artificial structures

A replicated, paired sites, controlled study in 2015–2018 on three intertidal seawalls in Penang Strait, Malaysia (Chee et al. 2020) found that rock pools created on the seawalls supported higher macroalgae and invertebrate species richness than seawall surfaces without pools. After 36 months, a total of 14 macroalgae and invertebrate species were recorded in pools and six on seawall surfaces without (data not statistically tested). Average species richness was higher in pools (13 species/pool) than on seawall surfaces (6/surface). Community composition (data reported as statistical model results) and species richness were similar in deep and shallow pools (both 11 species/pool). Thirteen species (1 macroalgae, 11 mobile invertebrates, 1 non-mobile invertebrate) recorded in pools over 36 months were absent from seawall surfaces. Rock pools were created in October 2015 by drilling into horizontal surfaces of three granite boulder seawalls using a core-drill. Fifteen deep (depth: 120 mm; volume: 2.1 l) and 15 shallow (50 mm; 0.9 l) cylindrical pools (diameter: 150 mm) were drilled at midshore on each seawall. Pools were compared with seawall surfaces, cleared of organisms, adjacent to each pool, with surface areas matching the inside pool surfaces (deep: 270 × 270 mm; shallow: 200 × 200 mm). Macroalgae and invertebrates were counted in pools and on seawall surfaces during low tide over 36 months.

(Summarised by: Ally Evans)