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Artifical Reef Projects
Patrick Beuttler, Justin Marshall, Ian Vukovich, Sean Wright

What is an Artificial Reef?
An artificial reef is a material that is put into the ocean which serves as a point of colonization for corals, sponges and many other Invertebrates.  It can be either man made or accidental, such as a shipwreck.  It helps spawn hundreds of species of fish and other marine animals.  The materials used must be suitable for long-life, stable and most importantly; environmentally friendly.
Why Build an Artificial Reef?
Artificial reefs serve as spawning grounds for hundreds of species of fish, coral and invertebrates.  These are precious and essential organisms for successful marine ecosystems.  Artificial reefs also serve as grounds for many sport and commercial fisherman, which in turn help the fish population.  Artificial reefs increase the amount of productive hard-bottom habitat that supports a variety of marine life.  Don’t forget the economic benefit!!!!!
How are Artificial Reefs Formed?
Artificial reefs can be formed from a variety of materials as described by the Guidelines For Marine Artificial Reef Materials handbook, developed by the
Artificial Reef Subcommittee, with the help of several other organizations.
How are Artificial Reefs Formed?
Products Used in Production (although not limited to these)
Electrodeposition
Wood
Shell
Quarry Rock
Concrete
Automobiles
Vehicle Tires
Aircraft
Railroad Cars
Steel Hulled Vessels
Fiberglass
Dry Docks
Wooden Vessels
Oil and Gas Platforms
Ash Byproducts
Designed Materials
White Goods
Military Hardware
Miscellaneous
Effectiveness of Artificial Reefs
The effectiveness of an artificial reef depends on several factors.
Materials used
Location
Planning and Design
Monitoring
Agencies Involved in Artificial Reefs
Artificial Reef Subcommittee
Artificial Reef Advisory Committee
Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commissions
Department of Commerce
Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force
Quiksilver
Surfrider Foundation
National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS)
Department of Natural Resources
Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission (GSMFC)
US Fish and Wildlife Service
Politics and Laws Effecting Artificial Reefs
The National Fishing Enhancement Act
National Artificial Reef Plan 1985
Guidelines for Marine Artificial Reef Materials 1997
Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act 1937
Wallop-Breaux Amendments 1984
Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act 1950
Locations of Artificial Reefs
Most of the artificial reefs are located in the southern hemisphere, and
closer to the equator where warmer waters support such coral and organisms.
South Carolina and south is mainly where artificial reefs begin on the East Coast.
Although, artificial reefs are any form, intentional or unintentional, that contribute to productive marine habitat, including airplane wrecks and sunken ships.
Locations of Artificial Reefs
This map shows locations of artificial reefs in North and South Carolina, as you can see the many of the artificial reef sites are merely shipwrecks that support the habitat.
Overall Benefits of Artificial Reefs
Marine ecosystem reconstruction
Re-growth of sport fish species
Diving experience enhancement
Economic benefits
Food web balance
HAPPY FISH!!!

copyright
Gaytha A. Langlois, Ph.D., 2002
Bryant College, Smithfield, RI 02917
E-mail: langlois@bryant.edu
Last Updated: October 2002