Evaluating the Role of Sedimentation Rates in the Site Selection of Artificial Reefs in the Gulf of Oman (Cape of Jask)

A promising approach for restoring fish stocks is the creation of artificial reefs (A.Rs). An important factor in site selection for these reefs is the study of Total Suspended Solids (TSS) and sedimentation rates, which offers valuable insights for the future of fish populations in the area. This study focused on three stations, with three repetitions at each, located in the eastern and western basins of the Cape of Jask, areas designated for artificial reef construction. Data was collected during the summer and winter seasons of 2023. The minimum and maximum sedimentation rates were observed at the fourth station in the eastern basin (winter 2023), with a mean of 10.98 (±0.8) g/m²/day, and at the third station in the western basin (summer 2023), with a mean of 17.34 (±0.92) g/m²/day. The average sedimentation rate in the eastern basin was 12.44 (±1.02) g/m²/day, while the western basin had a higher average of 15.77 (±0.81) g/m²/day, indicating greater sedimentation in the western basin. The highest sedimentation rate in the eastern basin was measured at station 5 during the summer of 2023 (76.4%), and the highest rate in the western basin occurred at station 4 in the winter of 2023 (86.5%). These sedimentation rates and TSS levels are crucial for both the future of settled and mobile aquatic communities (biotic future) and the longevity of the artificial reefs themselves (abiotic future). In later stages, these factors will play a key role in determining the success of the A.Rs.