Artificial reefs are human-made structures that are either deliberately or unintentionally submerged underwater, commonly with the result of mimicking some characteristics of a natural reef. Artificial reefs alter local habitat by providing hard substrate and complex vertical relief where typically none previously existed (Bohnsack and Sutherland 1985, Sheehy and Vik 1992, Sheehy and Vik 2010). They may be created from a variety of sources and materials including the intentional sinking of ships and barges, rubble, concrete, rocks, stone, boulders, steel, and metal, etc. (Baine 2001). They may also be created through unintentional means (e.g., shipwrecks that can become historical in nature) and through structures built for other purposes (e.g., decommissioned oil and gas platforms, breakwaters1, jetties, bridges, offshore lighthouses, air force towers, navigational aids, marine data buoys, etc.). These various materials have benefits and drawbacks when used in artificial reef construction.

Our story highlights one of Clay Pond's enemies. But like a prism, there are many ways to view things. It's easy just to write off all of your enemies. Some we will see here in our story have a deeper purpose. Even a dark cloud could have its silver lining. Big Black is just one of many visitors who have become permanent residents here. Be sure and share these Clay Pond stories with friends or even your teachers.

The seagrass meadows of the Northeast Coast of Brazil have the greatest area, biomass, biometrics and diversity of the Brazilian Coast. In this region, the seagrass diversity and plasticity may vary due to differences in environmental factors. Some natural aspects of the coastal environment or that which affect the coastal zone, mainly climatic (seasons of rains and winds) and geomorphological (bathymetry and substrate type), cause variations in seasonality and plasticity of the species, respectively. Chapter One in this book on aquatic ecosystems summarises the available information concerning how seagrass vary along the Northeast Coast of Brazil, as well as other ecological information. Chapter Two presents a brief historical overview of biological indicators, considering the assessment of water quality through microalgae from an environmental perspective and their role as natural bioindicators of the effects of eutrophication. Chapter Three provides a mixing zone analysis of surface brine discharges in coastal waters. Chapter Four studies the effect of low salinity on intertidal blue mussels from the White Sea.

Each story stands alone. Believe it or not these are the facts and they happened to me. No matter how incredible they may seem, they are all true. Enjoy these short journeys into my life and world. You will come away remembering them, and I got to personally experience them.