Hydrodynamic response and velocity field of water of a floating artificial reef in regular waves

Floating artificial reefs (FARs), which represent a significant subset of artificial reefs, predominantly attract fish aggregation through their oscillatory movements and sound emissions induced by wave and current forces. This mechanism of action is distinct from that of sit-bottom artificial reefs. A novel highly permeable FAR was meticulously designed utilizing floating spheres of varying diameters, floating pipes, and ropes, thereby circumventing the use of marine aquaculture nets. The hydrodynamic response of this innovative FAR under regular wave action, as well as the water particle velocity field (WPVF) surrounding the reef, were thoroughly investigated in a wave flume, yielding the following significant conclusions: (1) The motion of the single-point moored FAR is influenced by a dual-factor interaction between wave height and wave period. (2) The tension in the main mooring of the FAR is directly proportional to wave height and inversely proportional to wave period, thereby establishing a clear relationship between these variables. (3) During the propagation of waves, the presence of the FAR induces a clockwise flow. This induced flow pattern is highly advantageous for enhancing the ecological benefits of the FAR. The study results not only unequivocally demonstrate that the novel FAR possesses excellent wave resistance and stable operational performance but also elucidate a robust method for analyzing the WPVF around floating structures under wave action. This methodological advancement holds significant implications for guiding future research endeavors focused on the dynamic response of moored floating structures.