Effects of anti-trawling artificial reefs on fish assemblages: The case of Salerno Bay (Mediterranean Sea)

The results of 'trammel net' catches in a Mediterranean muddy-sandy bay, where two different anti-trawling artificial reefs (AARs) were located, are analysed in this study. Although the sampling was only carried out for two years and the only fishing gear used was the 'trammel net', a total of 45 species among chondrosteans and teleosteans were trapped. The two AARs, which were different in extension and for the shape of constructive items, have proven to be a useful tool for the protection of fish species, producing an increase both in terms of number and size of specimens, with a positive effect on biomass. These AARs also seem to favour the reappearance of species that had not been detected in the investigated area for many years.