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Abstract
This paper describes our findings from ecological surveys at several shoreline and beach enhancement projects in the Caribbean. Using standard fish abundance and diversity surveys and benthic habitat mapping protocols, we track how rock armour transitions from a barren substrate at installation to a diverse marine ecosystem over time. The ecosystem services provided by the rock armour have been evaluated and compare well with naturally occurring habitats. Using available economic benefit analyses, we estimate the value of these ecosystem services at various stages as the rock armour habitat matures.References
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