The geography of Georgia’s coast may be surprising. As for most of the east coast of North America, the continental shelf extends about 70 or 80 miles offshore. After an initial drop away from shore, the ocean floor drops off very gradually, something like two feet for each mile away from shore. This vast expanse of sand and shells makes for prime habitat for a variety of fish and sea turtles, including tuna, wahoo, and dolphin. For the most part, its fine sand and silt – not the clear blue water of the Florida Keys – and only about 5 percent natural reef or “live bottom.” The shifting sand does not make for good habitat for what we might think of as reef fish communities, like groupers, snappers or sea bass.
The Coastal Resources Division (CRD) of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources saw an opportunity to supplement this ecosystem with artificial reefs, everything from blocks of concrete – mimicking the rock outcrops that most of these reefs are based on off the Georgia coast, to former MARTA train cars.
In January, the CRD added two new structures to the reef system, a retired 46-foot tug boat named Megan and a 110-foot barge loaded with 100 tons of concrete rubble and reefs balls. The vessels were cleaned and dropped at depths of about 55 feet, 10 miles offshore. The projects were funded largely through the revenue from the Marine Habitat License Plate program (those special plates do make a difference!), as well as Sport Fish Restoration funds.
“These additions to our artificial reef system provide important habitat for fish and other marine organisms while also benefiting recreational fishing and diving,” said Cameron Brinton, a marine biologist with CRD’s Habitat Enhancement and Restoration Unit. “We appreciate the support of the public who contribute to programs like the Marine Habitat License Plate and Sport Fish Restoration.”
The reefs in Georgia are not coral reef so these artificial reefs make for an easy habitat match. Most of Georgia’s artificial reefs are located between 6 and 23 miles offshore between 30 and 75 feet deep. There are two experimental reefs between 120 and 170 feet deep some 60 miles offshore and there are also three “beach” reefs between 15 and 30 feet deep, just 3 miles offshore.
“Artificial reefs play a crucial role in enhancing marine habitats, supporting fish populations, and boosting recreational fishing opportunities. These additions will provide long-term benefits for our coastal environment and community. While the reef materials are man-made, the organisms that will find a home here are totally natural,” said Paul Medders, CRD’s Habitat Enhancement and Restoration Unit lead.
