Review of the Performance of the Artificial Floating Island as a Restoration Tool for Aquatic Environments

Artificial Floating Islands (AFIs) are vegetated floating platforms used in lakes, ponds and reservoirs to enhance the aquatic environment. AFIs have four functions: 1) water purification, 2) habitat enhancement, 3) shoreline erosion protection, and 4) improved landscape features. This paper reviews the performance of AFI. Although AFI can be found in many countries (e.g. China, England, Germany, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan) they are most prevalent in Japan where more than 70,000 m² of AFI structures exist. AFI provides critical habitat for birds and provide important substrate for spawning fish. However, water quality enhancement is their most important feature, especially in Asia where their installation over large surface areas (10 to 30%) of lakes and reservoirs help mitigate the effects of eutrophication. Their shade helps to decrease phytoplankton, while their vegetation helps in nitrogen reduction. The crucial advantages of AFIs are that they float and adapt to water level fluctuations in reservoirs and the reduce predation risks by providing safe, inaccessible refuges for nesting birds.