Colonization of Marine Epibiota around WABCORE Artificial Reef at Panuba Bay, Tioman Island, Malaysia

World's coral reefs are potentially threatened by human activity – ranging from coastal development and destructive fishing practices to overexploitation of resources, marine pollution and runoff from inland deforestation and farming. Artificial reef has been suggested as potential tool for reef restoration and rehabilitation. Studies and monitoring were conducted between 2007 and 2010 to determine the colonization of marine epibiota on WABCORE artificial reefs deployed in Tioman Island, Malaysia. Positioning survey was conducted using side scan imaging whereas in-situ quantitative survey of marine epibiota assemblages were evaluated using quadrat technique. Total coverage for marine epibiota recorded an average of 17.02% between April 2008 and May 2010, with the highest being 29% in August 2008.