Super Reef Modules Expand Habitat off Bay County
Walter Marine participated in the second phase of a major artificial reef deployment in federal waters off Bay County, Florida. The project placed prefabricated Super Reef modules within Large Area Artificial Reef Site B.
The deployment area is approximately 17 to 31 nautical miles offshore from St. Andrew Pass. Modules were placed at depths ranging from approximately 101 to 138 feet to create habitat at varying water depths for reef-associated fish.
Complex Structures for Marine Life
The deployment included marine-grade concrete Super Reefs with internal habitat discs and vertical poles. Some of the larger pyramid-style reefs reach approximately 25 feet in total height, while EcoDiscs provide additional surfaces for encrusting organisms, baitfish and juvenile fish.
The project was coordinated through partnerships involving Bay County, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, UF/IFAS Extension Bay County, Florida Sea Grant and Walter Marine.
Supporting Long-Term Gulf Restoration
The work was funded through the Natural Resource Damage Assessment program associated with the Deepwater Horizon settlement. Its goals include restoring marine habitat, supporting reef-associated fish populations and expanding recreational opportunities for anglers and divers.
Source: This is an original ReefMaker summary based on information published by Florida Sea Grant. Read the original report.