Revista de Gestão Costeira Integrada
Volume 10, Número 1, Março 2010, Páginas 127-146

DOI: 10.5894/rgci165
* Submissão – 30 Abril 2009; Avaliação – 17 Junho 2009; Recepção da versão revista – 14 Agosto 2009; Disponibilização on-line - 14 Janeiro 2010

Avaliação Qualitativa do Desempenho dos Recifes Artificiais Multifuncionais (RAM)

Analysing the Performance of the Multi-Functional Artificial Reefs

Bruno I. Simioni ¹, Luciana S. Esteves ^{@, 2}

---

@ - Autor correspondente: luciana.esteves@plymouth.ac.uk
1 - University of Plymouth. Afiliação atual: Laboratório de Estudos Costeiros, Departamento de Geologia, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba - PR, Brasil; brunoivan@gmail.com
2 - School of Geography, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, PL4 8AA UK.

---

RESUMO
Os recifes artificiais multifuncionais (RAM) visam beneficiar um maior número de usuários por propiciarem múltiplos usos, incluindo: proteção costeira, aumento da biodiversidade local, melhoria da qualidade das ondas para o surfe e promoção do turismo ligado aos esportes aquáticos. Embora as suas múltiplas funções tenham ressonância na gestão costeira integrada, é a sua ligação com o surfe que lhe confere o maior apelo público. Por ser um conceito recente (o primeiro foi construído em 1999) e serem poucos os projetos existentes, a literatura disponível sobre os RAM ainda é limitada, sendo na sua maioria relatórios técnicos e artigos sem revisão científica produzidos pelos profissionais que desenvolvem e comercializam os RAM. O surfe é uma atividade econômica lucrativa em diversas localidades, onde há um crescente debate e interesse na instalação de RAM (e.g. São Pedro do Estoril, Portugal). Desta forma, faz-se necessário avaliar de forma independente o desempenho dos RAM em promover suas múltiplas funções. Este estudo analisa o desempenho dos seis projetos de RAM existentes (quatro construídos e dois em construção) em promover a melhoria das condições de surfe, a proteção costeira, o aumento da biodiversidade e o incremento no turismo. Adicionalmente, o processo de implantação dos RAM é avaliado com base nas diretrizes da gestão costeira integrada utilizando-se a literatura científica disponível e meios de expressão da opinião pública. Este estudo mostra que existem poucos estudos de monitoramento independentes que possibilitem quantificar o desempenho dos RAM. A função melhor estudada é a resposta da linha de costa à presença do recife, enquanto a qualidade do surfe pode ser analisada apenas qualitativamente através da opinião pública. Não há estudos publicados ou fontes de informação que possibilitem a análise quantitativa sobre os efeitos na biodiversidade ou no retorno econômico dos RAM. Os resultados indicam que os RAM têm apresentado desempenho variável tanto na função de proteção costeira, quanto na melhoria da qualidade do surfe. Estudos de monitoramento sugerem que houve um efetivo aumento na largura da praia adjacente ao recife em Narrowneck, mas possivelmente tratou-se de um efeito direto do engorde artificial e não necessariamente provocado pela presença do recife. Em relação ao surfe, a percepção dos surfistas tende a ser dominantemente negativa sobre a eficiência dos RAM em melhorar a qualidade das ondas. Embora o processo de implementação tenha sido variável entre os projetos existentes, pode-se observar pontos em comum, incluindo: o objetivo principal da construção dos RAM é a melhoria das ondas para o surfe; a consulta pública é inexistente ou realizada em estágios tardios para consolidação da escolha já feita; análises de viabilidade e custo-benefício são produzidas pelos empreendedores; estudos de impactos ambientais se realizados, não estão disponíveis; custos da obra final excede o orçamento inicial e não existem estudos independentes sobre o retorno financeiro resultante da instalação dos RAM. É urgente desenvolver protocolos de monitoramento pré- e pós-construção dos RAM, bem como aumentar o número de estudos independentes que possibilitem quantificar os seus impactos nos processos costeiros e na economia local.

Palavras-chave: recifes artificiais multifuncionais, surfe, proteção costeira, gestão costeira integrada

ABSTRACT
It is frequently claimed that artificial surfing reefs (ASRs) provide coastal defence, improvement of biodiversity, enhancement of surfing and boosting the local economy related to water sports and tourism. Although such functionality may have resonance in integrated coastal management (ICZM), the main public appeal is related to its effects on surfing. ASRs are a relatively new concept (the first was built in 1999) and available references mostly comprise technical reports and articles with no peer review. Further, the majority are authored by professionals involved with the development and commercialization of ASRs. With an increasing interest in the development of new ASRs (e.g. São Pedro do Estoril, Portugal), it is now important that objective and independent studies are undertaken to analyse the performance of ASRs for surfing enhancement and for the other benefits claimed. This study evaluates the effects of the six existing artificial reef projects (four of them built and two in construction process) on the quality of waves for surfing, coastal protection, biodiversity and tourism. Moreover, the implementation processes for ASRs are analysed taking into consideration the principles of ICZM. The sources of information used include the relevant existing literature and a range of other sources which allow assessment of public opinion (e.g. internet discussion boards, online local newspapers, websites about surfing etc.). The findings demonstrate that only a few independent monitoring studies have quantified the ASR performance objectively. The results reveal that ASRs have variable performances both for coastal protection and improving surfing waves. More than three years of monitoring of the shoreline response adjacent to the Narrowneck reef in Australia indicates that the beach width has increased. However, this may all be attributed to local beach nourishment. Surfer’s perceptions are mixed and generally express negative views regarding the reefs’ performance. Studies quantifying the enhancement of biodiversity or the economic revenue attributable to the reef are very limited or absent. Only one study have addressed the issue of biodiversity enhancement, and suggested that the Narrowneck reef might have helped improving the local productivity. However, the reef still had lower biodiversity than adjacent natural reefs. Even though implementation processes have been variable among the projects, there are several common elements: reefs have been built with the main aim of surfing improvement; public involvement in the decision-making process is absent or limited to consultation at late stages in the process; feasibility and cost-benefits analysis are produced by the developers; environmental impact assessments are not widely available if at all; final budgets surpass initial estimate of costs; and there are no independent studies to assess the financial benefits accruing from ASRs. This paper therefore suggests that it is now a priority to establish protocols to: (a) regulating the implementation of ASRs; and (b) define standards for monitoring studies pre- and post-reef construction (preferably conducted independently) with the objective of quantifying its environmental and socio-economic impacts.

Keywords: artificial surfing reef, surf, coastal protection, integrated coastal management

 

ASR (2000) – Surfing reefs. 4p., Raglan, Nova Zelândia. http://www.asrltd.co.nz/downloads/Reefs/reef%20general/
Surfing_Reefs.pdf.

ASR (2008) – ASR America Response to the Brevard County Multi-Purpose Artificial Surfing Reef Feasibility Study: Final Report – Draft. 30p., Florida, United States of America. http://www.brevardcounty.us/
environmental_management/documents/SubAppC62008-10-31ASRAResponsetoDraftReport.pdf.

Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (2009) - U.S. / Euro Foreign Exchange Rate. In: http://research.stlouisfed.org/fred2/data/
EXUSEU.txt (acessado em abril 2009)

Boscombe Spa Village Information Pack (2007) - Boscombe Spa Village Development Information Pack. In: http://www.bournemouth.co.uk/
scms/media.php/11152/Info%20Pack%20Sept%2007.pdf (acessado em abril 2009)

Borrero, J.C. & Nelsen, C. (2003) – Results of a Comprehensive Monitoring Program at Pratte’s Reef. Proceedings of the 3rd International Surfing Reef Symposium. Raglan, New Zealand, 83-99.

Bournemouth Borough Council (2008a) – Surf reef costs – the facts behind the headlines, press release. In: http://www.bournemouth.gov.uk/News/press_office/Press_Releases/
June_2008/surf.asp (acessado em julho 2009)

Bournemouth Borough Council (2008b) – Tourism Statistics for Bournemouth, 2005. In: http://www.bournemouth.gov.uk/Residents/
Research_Information/Themes/Tourism/Tourism_Statistics.asp (acessado em agosto 2009)

Bournemouth University (2007) – “Which Tube will you catch Tonight,” Bournemouth University. Bournemouth, United Kingdom. (não publicado).

Burchartch, H.F. & Hughes, S.A. (2002). Types and Functions of Coastal Structures. In: Coastal Engineering Manual, Part VI, Chapter 2, EM 1110-2-1100, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Washington, DC.
Census (2001) – Census 2001. In: http://www.statistics.gov.uk/
census2001/census2001.asp (acessado em fevereiro 2009)

Coastal Frontier Corporation. (2008) – Project Description for Removal of Pratte’s Reef. In: http://www.surfrider.org/Prattes_reef/
Prattes_Reef_Project_Description.pdf (acessado em fevereiro 2009)

Cooper, J.A.G. & McKenna, J. (2008) – Social justice in coastal erosion management: the temporal and spatial dimension. Geoforum, 39: 294-306.

Daily Echo (2009a) – Surf’s up. In: http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/
search/2348174.SURF___S_UP/ (acessado em fevereiro 2009)

Daily Echo (2009b) – Boscombe: is it surfing or suffering? In:
http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/search/
4477447.BOSCOMBE__IS_IT_SURFING_OR_SUFFERING_/ (acessado em agosto 2009)

Daily Echo (2009c) – Bags more
news for reef watchers. In: http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/
features/surfreef/surfreefstories/
4527367.Bags_more_news_for_reef_watchers/#show (acessado em agosto 2009)

Daily Echo (2009d) – Windsurfing champion puts Boscombe surf reef to the test. In: http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/
features/surfreef/surfreefstories/4498200.Windsurfing_champion_puts_
Boscombe_surf_reef_to_the_test/#show (acessado em agosto 2009)

Daily Echo (2009e) – View from the deep. In:
http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/features/surfreef/
surfreefstories/4419828.View_from_the_deep/ (acessado em agosto 2009)

Davos, C.A. (1998) – Sustaining co-operation for coastal sustainability. Journal of Environmental Management, 52: 379-387.

DCLG English Indices of Deprivation (2007) – The English Indices of Deprivation 2007. Department for Communities and Local Government. London, United Kingdom, 07 NRAD 05137.

DEFRA - Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (2001) - National appraisal of assets at risk from flooding and coastal erosion, including the potential impact of climate change - Final Report. 64p. In: http://www.defra.gov.uk/environ/fcd/policy/NAAR1101.pdf (acessado em julho 2009)

DEFRA – Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (2008) – A strategy for promoting an integrated approach to the management of coastal areas in England. 48p. In: http://www.defra.gov.uk/marine/pdf/
environment/iczm/iczm-strategy-england.pdf (acessado em abril 2009)

Duxbury, J. & Dickinson, S. (2007) – Principles for sustainable governance of the coastal zone: in the context of coastal disasters. Ecological Economics, 63: 319-330.

EC (2002) – Recommendation Of The European Parliament And Of The Council of 30 May 2002 concerning the implementation of Integrated Coastal Zone Management in Europe. Official Journal of the European Communities.

Economagic.com (2009) - Series Title: ECB reference exchange rate, Australian dollar/Euro. In: http://www.economagic.com/em-cgi/
data.exe/ecb/EXR-M-AUD-EUR-SP00-A-m (acessado em abril 2009)

European Central Bank (2009) - ECB reference exchange rate, New Zealand dollar/Euro. In: http://sdw.ecb.europa.eu/quickview.do?
SERIES_KEY= 120.EXR.D.NZD.EUR.SP00.A (acessado em abril 2009).

Fredsoe, J. & Sumer, B.M. (1997) - Scour at the round head of a rubble-mound breakwater. Coastal engineering, 29(3-4):231-262.

French, P.W. (2001) – Coastal Defences: Processes, problems and solutions. 384p., Routledge, New York & London.

Halcrow Group Ltd. (2004) – Poole Bay and Harbour, assessment of flood and coastal defence options. 91p. In: http://www.twobays.net/
Strategy%20Study/2004_Strategy%20Report%20-%20PBY-%20Poole%20Bay.pdf (acessado em Julho 2009)

Hiliau, W. & Phillips, D. (2003) – Artificial Surfing Reef Construction. Proceedings of the 3rd International Surfing Reef Symposium. Raglan, New Zealand: 378-397.

Jackson, L. & Corbett, B. (2007) – Review of existing multi-function artificial reefs. Australasian Conference on Coasts and Ports 2007, 6p.

Jackson, L., Corbett, B., Tomlinson, R. McGrath, J., & Stuart, G. (2007) – Narrowneck Reef: Review of 7 years of monitoring results. Shore & Beach (American Shore & Beach Preservation Association). Vol. 75(4):67-79.

Jackson, L., Tomlinson, R., Turner, I., Corbett, B., D´Agata, M. & McGrath, J. (2005) – Narrowneck artificial reef: results of 4 yrs of monitoring and modifications. Proceedings of the 4th International Surfing Reef Symposium (January 12-14, 2005, Manhattan Beach, California), 11p.

Kasperson, R. (2006) – Rerouting the stakeholder express. Global Environmental Change 16:320–322.

Life On Perth (2007) – Surfing at Cables Artificial Surfing Reef. In: http://www.lifeonperth.com/cablessurf.htm (acessado em fevereiro 2009)

Lusk, D. (2006) – Opunake artificial reef presentation, 5th International Surfing Reef Symposium. Lombok, Indonesia.

Martínez, M.L., Intralawan, A., Vázquez, G., Pérez-Maqueo, O., Sutton, P. & Landgrave, R. (2007) - The coasts of our world: Ecological, economic and social importance. Ecological Economics, 63:254 – 272.

McFadden, L. (2008) – Exploring the challenges of integrated coastal zone management and reflecting on contributions to ‘integration’ from geographical thought. The Geographical Journal, 174(4):299-314.

MRG (2003) – Boscombe Spa Village Consultation, The Market Research Group. England. (não publicado).

Mead, S. & Black, K. (2002) – Multi-Purpose Reefs Provide Multiple Benefits – Amalgamating Coastal Protection, High-Quality Surfing Breaks and Ecological enhancement to Maximise User Benefits and Development Opportunities, Prepared for South Australian Spatial Information Council Conference. Holiday Inn Conference Centre, Ventura, California. (http://www.asrltd.co.nz/downloads/Reefs/
reef%20general/ShawMeadSASIC2Paper.pdf)

Ministry for the Environment (2009) - Resource Management Act. In: http://www.rfe.govt.nz/rma (acessado em julho 2009)

NZHerald – New Zealand Herald (2009a) - Is Mt Maunganui’s $1.5m artificial surf reef a waste of money? Jan. 29, 2009. In:
http://blogs.nzherald.co.nz/blog/your-views/2009/1/29/mt-maunganuis-15m-artificial-surf-reef-waste-money/?c_id=1501154 (acessado em fevereiro 2009)

NZHerald – New Zealand Herald (2009b) – Where’s the surf? In: http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&
objectid=10554007. (acessado em fevereiro 2009)

Pattiaratchi, C. (2003) – Performance of an artificial surfing reef: Cable Station Western Australia. Proceedings of the Sixth International Conference on Coastal and Port Engineering in Developing Countries (Colombo, Sri Lanka), 18p.

PNGC (2004) – Plano Nacional de Gerenciamento Costeiro II, Decreto no 1.540 de 27 de junho de 1995. Brasilia, Brasil.

Ranasinghe, R., Hackings, N. & Evans, P. (2001) – Multi-functional artificial surfing breaks, a review, Centre for Natural Resources, NSW Department of Land and Water Conservation. 35p. New South Wales, Australia.

Rennie, H.G. & Makgill, R. (2003) – Implications of New Zealand’s effects-based coastal planning regime for artificial surfing reefs: The Mount Reef case. Proceedings of the 3rd International Surfing Reef Symposium. Raglan, New Zealand, 260-267.

Riptidemag (2009) – Marine biology and surf science. In: http://www.riptidemag.com.au/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=712&start=45. Comentário publicado em Jul. 2008. (acessado em fevereiro 2009)
Safer Neighbourhoods Bournemouth (2006) – Vulnerable Area Profile: Boscombe. Bournemouth Borough Council, 30p. Bournemouth, United Kingdom.

Seabreeze (2009) – Artificial Surfing Reefs on the Goldie! Why not? In:
http://www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=47366. Acessado em Fev. 2009.

Surf-forecast.com (2009) - Cable Station Reef, Australia, Surf Forecast and Surf Reports - Break Info. In: http://www.surf-forecast.com/breaks/CableStationReef (acessado em fevereiro 2009)

Surfline (2008) – Pratte’s reef redux. In: http://www.surfline.com/
surf-news/one-researchers-opinionit-didnt-have-to-end-like-that-prattes-reef-redux_20360/. (acessado em fevereiro 2009)

Surfrider Foundation (2008) – Surfrider Foundation’s Artificial Surf Reef Policy. In: http://www.surfrider.org/artificialreef/areefs.asp. (acessado em fevereiro 2009)

Taranaki daily news (2008) – Taranaki’s artificial reef takes shape. In: http://www.stuff.co.nz/environment/373562 (acessado em fevereiro 2009)

Taranaki daily news (2009) – Underwater check on ‘surf grief.’ In: http://www.stuff.co.nz/taranaki-daily-news/news/2334938/Underwater-check-on-surf-grief. (acessado em abril 2009)

Ten Voorde, M., Antunes do Carmo, J.S. & Neves, M.G. (2009) - Designing a Preliminary Multifunctional Artificial Reef to Protect the Portuguese Coast. Journal of Coastal Research, 25(1):69–79.

Tourism Resource Consultants (2002) – Proposed Artificial surf reef, OPunake, South Taranaki. Economic and Social Impact report, march 2002.

Turner, I.L., Aarninkhof, S.G.J., Dronkers, T.D.T., & McGrath, J. (2004) - CZM application of Argus coastal imaging at the Gold Coast, Australia. Journal of Coastal Research, 20(3):739-752.

UNESCO (2003) - A Reference Guide on the Use of Indicators for Integrated Coastal Management - ICAM Dossier 1, IOC Manuals and Guides No. 45. 127p.

von Bodungen, B. & Turner, R.K. (2001) - Science and Integrated Coastal Management (ICM): Introduction. In: von Bodungen, B. & Turner, R.K. (eds.) Science and Integrated Coastal Management, Dahlem Workshop Report 85, Dahlem University Press, Berlin, 1-14.

USACE (2006) - Coastal Engineering Manual, Part VI, Chapter 2, Types and Functions of Coastal Structures. U.S. Corps of Engineers, In:
http://chl.erdc.usace.army.mil/Media/2/0/4/CEM_Part-VI_Chap-2.pdf (acessado em julho 2009).

 

em construção