Comparison of Fish Biomass and Fish Carbon Content Associated With Reef Sites at the Rio Grande Valley Artificial Reef

Author

Allison K. White, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Date of Award

12-1-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Ocean, Coastal, and Earth Sciences

First Advisor

Richard Kline

Second Advisor

MD Saydur Rahman

Third Advisor

Christopher Gabler

Abstract

Artificial reefs have gained attention for their role in habitat restoration, fish biomass enhancement, and climate mitigation. The Rio Grande Valley Reef, located off South Padre Island, Texas, spans 1,650 acres and consists of diverse recycled and pre-formed materials. Since its first deployment in 2016, fish abundance has significantly increased, particularly for commercially harvested red snapper (Lutjanus campechanus). To evaluate reef effectiveness, this study used a Simrad EK80 split beam sonar to estimate fish biomass. Biomass calculations were based on fish echo returns and calibrated weight curves. Fish carbon content was assessed using lab-derived measurements. Results highlight artificial reefs' role in carbon storage, contributing to blue carbon ecosystems. These findings contribute to understanding artificial reefs as blue carbon ecosystems, highlighting their potential role in carbon sequestration and sustainable fisheries management.

Comments

Copyright 2025 Allison K. White. All Rights Reserved. https://proquest.com/docview/3292558704

Recommended Citation

White, A. K. (2025). Comparison of Fish Biomass and Fish Carbon Content Associated With Reef Sites at the Rio Grande Valley Artificial Reef [Master's thesis, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley]. ScholarWorks @ UTRGV. https://scholarworks.utrgv.edu/etd/1844