Artificial Reefs Overview

For at least 70 years, the commercial and charter fishing fleet have constructed “private” artificial reefs.  Typically, scrap steel items are hauled offshore during the winter “off-season.”  Once placed on the seafloor, the reef’s coordinates (latitude and longitude) are recorded and the reef material is left to develop as potential habitat for reef dwelling sea life until the following charter season.  Captains keep the locations of these “private” reefs secret, and carefully manage the harvest of fishes, allowing some catch certainty for their customers.  In addition to enhancing the charter fishing industry, building private reefs serves to reduce user conflicts on existing “public” artificial reefs and natural “hard bottom” reef communities. 

The Florida Aquatic and Marine Institute, Mexico Beach Artificial Reef Association, Inc., and many private fishermen and divers have constructed over 160 artificial reefs in local waters (Half, 2005).  Some of these artificial reefs were constructed with funding from a program created within the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (Ch. 370.25 Florida Statutes).  These “public” artificial reefs were funded with revenues generated from Florida Saltwater Fishing license sales and taxes on fishing and spear fishing gear, boat registration fees, and motorboat fuel.  These funds are returned to states by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in the form of Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration grants.  These funds are intended to “enhance fishery resources... [And] facilitate access by recreational and commercial fishermen...” (National, 2002).  

In November 1986, Bay County sought and obtained a Large Area Artificial Reef Site Permit (LAARS) (Permit No. 199300660 (IP-TZ)) from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) for deployment of artificial reef materials in two locations designated by the ACOE as “Site A” and “Site B.”  This permit was renewed in June 2003 and will be valid through June 2013. 

An individual can apply to the County for a permit to deploy appropriate reef building materials in either of these locations.  “Site A” and “Site B” were designated for artificial reef deployment by the County as well as local fishermen and divers.  Because the ACOE and the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) regulations require a minimum clearance of 50 feet between the top of artificial reef materials and the sea surface, some large artificial reef materials (e.g. ships) are required to be placed in deeper waters. 

Artificial reefs are an important component of the recreational fishing and diving opportunities available to Bay County residents and visitors.  By increasing the habitat of reef fish, the program has enhanced private recreational and charter fishing, expanded scuba diving opportunities, and has provided economic returns.   

If you are interested in the artificial reef program, whether “private” or “public,” you are encouraged to contact Steve Theberge, University of Florida/IFAS Bay County Sea Grant Extension Agent at (850) 784-6105.

 

Half Hitch Tackle.  2005.  Fishing Spots for Panama City Beach.  Online: http://www.halfhitch.com/GPS.asp?StoreLoc=PC. Accessed 8/12/2005.

 

National Marine Fisheries Service.  2002.  National Artificial Reef Plan Revision: February 2002.  Pp.51.

 

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