Artificial Reefs

About Artificial Reefs

Zoom

resource-management

What is an Artificial Reef?

For most people, the word “reef” conjures up images of a tropical scene with brightly colored fish darting in and out of magnificent coral structures in crystal-clear water. The local artificial reef systems are not like the tropical reefs found in the southern region of the state and the warm waters of the Caribbean. They are more temperate systems that house a slightly different set of intriguing creatures.

A true “reef” is, in fact, simply any coral, rock or (in the case of Manatee County) man-made underwater structure that can provide a habitat for sea creatures. The seven artificial reefs located throughout Manatee County have been created using man-made, environmentally-friendly structures in a variety of shapes and sizes. In some cases, “junk” such as concrete rubble, old cars, sunken ships, and worn, unusable sections of bridges have been utilized for reef construction. In others, we have intentionally created and placed “reef balls” to create suitable reef habitat. The balls, marine-friendly concrete structures, are engineered to simulate the structure of a natural reef. The man-made objects provide a platform for other creatures to live around, on top of, attached to, inside of, or underneath, effectively creating an entire underwater community. 

What are the Benefits of an Artificial Reef?

Regardless of the type of artificial reef, these structures truly help to boost the marine ecosystem. This is accomplished in several different ways. One of the most important functions of the artificial reefs is to serve as habitat for creatures that have lost their homes due to pollution and development. The world’s fish stocks are greatly strained; with the numbers of fish dwindling drastically, artificial reefs provide much-needed homes for the ocean’s stressed species. The reefs also provide a home for juvenile fish, giving them a place a bit less dangerous than open water in which to grow.

Along with the creation of habitat comes a re-vitalization of the food chain. Invertebrates like crabs and shrimp will colonize the reef and will provide food for juvenile fish species and older fish that move into the area. These fish that come to the new reef will in turn serve as food for larger sea creatures, creating all sorts of new food sources, and the larger fish may even turn up on your own dinner plate!

Artificial reefs also provide a wonderful source of recreational opportunities. They’re accessible to all levels of divers and anglers alike. For fishing enthusiasts, artificial reefs offer the opportunity to find a variety of species in one specific location. Divers, on the other hand, are treated to beautiful, ever-changing underwater scenery.

Get Involved!

Are you a SCUBA-certified diver who would like to explore Manatee County’s reefs? Do you like to snorkel? Or, are you simply interested in helping to create valuable oceanic habitat? Manatee County’s Natural Resources Department partners with other local organizations, including the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program, the Reef Rakers division of the Manateens, and the University of Florida’s Marine Extension service in order to establish, maintain, and monitor the reefs. We also recruit private individual volunteers to participate in the artificial reef program. For more information on how you can volunteer, please call 941-748-4501 ext. 4605 or email Melissa.nell@mymanatee.org

Fishing on an Artificial Reef

Zoom

Manatee County's man-made reef system provides a unique fishing opportunity for anglers of all ages. Many different species of fish can be caught over or near artificial reefs; grouper, snapper, sheepshead, cobia, and Spanish mackerel are reef dwellers of special interest to anglers. Additionally, schools of offshore bait fish concentrate above the reef material.

In order to preserve and allow these artificial structures to grow, we ask that all anglers adhere to the following guidelines:

• Please anchor a safe distance from the reef structure to avoid anchor and tackle entanglements.
• Respect any divers in the area.
• If you approach a reef and notice several boats anchor-fishing, please respect their rights at the time and refrain from drift-fishing.
• Be aware of current state and national fishing restrictions. Certain species, such as grouper, are slow-growing fish and must be protected and conserved and other species are only available seasonally. For current restrictions please visit the  Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
• Please do not tie to buoys.

Please Note: Due to variations of LORANs of different makes, LORAN coordinates are precise only to 60 -120 feet. To find a specific site, navigate to the coordinates and mark the spot with a weighted float. Then search, using depth profile equipment, in an outward spiral to find the reef.

Diving on an Artificial Reef

The man-made reef systems within Manatee County are a favorite adventure site for both snorkelers and SCUBA divers. A variety of intriguing sea creatures live in and around the reefs, providing visitors with an ever-changing visual experience. Divers may find lobster, stone crab, and all kinds of colorful tropical reef fish such as trigger fish, damsel fish (including beau gregories), angel fish, and tangs. Close inspection might reveal larger sport fish, including grouper and snapper, hiding out within the reefs' various crevices. An assortment of invertebrates, ranging from barnacles to sea urchins, can be found clinging to the reef structure. There's lots to see within the reef system!

Divers, please remember to exercise caution due to strong tidal currents, poor visibility, and entanglements. We ask that all divers follow the guidelines below in order to ensure safe recreational activities:

	7-mile reefs typically have better visibility.
	When diving over a reef, always leave someone aboard the boat who can operate it in an emergency.
	Use a dive flag.
	Diving with the buddy system is the best safety precaution.
	Though diving on an artificial reef can be beautiful and rewarding, only dive within your capability.
	As current strength and visibility vary from day to day, pre-dive planning and staying with that plan are paramount to your safety.