1.0 INTRODUCTIONCoral reefs in their simplest form are composed of rock, coral or sand and are formed through an abiotic, biotic or artificial process. Just like canyons, most coral reefs are formed through an abiotic process. They are formed naturally by deposition and erosion caused by waves and other environmental factors. Some of the most popular forms of coral reefs are coral reefs that are created through a biotic process, not to be confused with abiotic. Coral reefs are found in tropical waters and develop through the infestation of coral and calcareous algae along the edges of coral reefs, atolls and islands. There are also man-made artificial reefs used to increase the physical complexity of a featureless seabed. Artificial coral reefs attract a wide range of organisms, especially fish. 2.0 HISTORY Coral reef building has been in practice for thousands of years. The ancient Persians used artificial barriers to block the mouth of the Tigris River and hold back Indian pirates. They were also used by the Japanese in the 17th century to increase fish yields and encourage the growth of algae. The first artificial reef in the United States was recorded around 1830, when an American fisherman placed logs off the coast of South Carolina to improve fishing. Since then, South Carolina has been known as the pioneer state of artificial reefs because, according to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, they see coral reefs as a “long-term investment… as artificial reefs built today can still be in their place." and fully functional easily into the next century”.3.0 ARTIFICIAL CORAL REEF TYPES3.1 Biotic Coral Reef As mentioned above, coral reefs are the most massive and widely distributed type...... middle of paper..... .erce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. (2007). National Artificial Reef Plan: Guidelines for the siting, construction, development and evaluation of artificial reefs. Silver Spring, MD: Author.Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. (2011). Artificial reef construction and monitoring grant applications for fiscal year 2012-2013. Tallahassee, FL: Author.Hess, R., Rushworth, D., Hynes, M., Peters, J. (2001). Disposal options for ships. Arlington, VA: National Defense Research Institute. Leeworthy, V. R. (2011). The economic impact of the USS Vandenberg on the Monroe County economy. Silver Spring, MD: Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Morgan, O. A., Massey, D. M., Huth, W. L. (2009). Application for diving for artificial reefs of large ships. Marine resource economics. 24, 43-59.e