Artificial reefs

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ARTIFICIAL REEFS

Reef basics
Usually reefs are placed in areas that are flat and featureless to develop a new area for marine life. Larval encrusting organisms ( mussels, barnacles, sponges, corals etc) cannot attach to smooth sand, but they can attach to metal and concrete. Fish account for only 4.5% of the organisms on a reef. Most of the reef is made up of encrusting organisms, tube worms, anemones and other invertebrates. the reefs also dissipate underwater currents and forms eddies which make it easier for fish to feed.

It is the responsibility of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to regulate the construction and maintenance of fishing reefs and fishing attractors in waters of the United States including the waters that overlay the outer continental shelf

Many species require structure to live. this includes seabass and tautog. These fish hide in the reef structure for safety. They feed on reef organisms such as mussels , crabs and worms.Reefs also attract schooling baitfish which linger there for a while and move off. Pelagic fish such as bluefish, sharks, cobia and amberjack cruise the reefs looking for food.

Reef location is water depth dependent. There must be sufficient clearance to have high profile structures on the bottom. wave action is shallow water also will cause structures to be covered by sand and silt.

New Jersey reefs

Reef Balls

Reef Balls" are concrete fish habitats designed by a firm in Sarasota, Florida and are used worldwide to build ocean artificial reefs. They are igloo-shaped and hollow and have over a dozen access holes for fish. Measuring 4 feet in diameter and 3 feet high, they weigh 1,400 pounds each.

These designed habitats are expected to maximize use by fish, especially those species, like tautog and sea bass, that hide under ledges or in caverns. The internal cavity will also provide juvenile fish refuge from larger, ocean predators. To further enhance their value as sanctuary habitat, the Reef Balls will be widely dispersed on the sea floor.

The reef balls provide a place for marine invertebrates like mussels, tube worms and sponges to attach. In 2-3 years the structures will be covered by these creatures.This draws crabs , shrimp, starfish, worms and snails. Fish then come and use the structures as refuge from predators and a place to feed on the smaller inhabitants. Bait fish are drawn to the area by currents forced upward by the structures which bring plankton to the surface.

Fish counts show as many as 19 fish on each reef ball area.

Tires

Tires have been used on many artificial reefs in the past especially in Florida and North Carolina. they are no longer used as they have not proved to be stable. Many stacks of tires were bound by nylon bands which broke and allowed the tires to migrate over the ocean bottom . In Fl and NC storms break the tires loose and deposit them on the beaches. marine life also has found it hard to attach to the tires. They are no longer an acceptable reef material

Other reef materials

Rock- from small rocks to boulders to create piles and hills

Demolition concrete from bridges, piers etc.

Concrete castings- culverts ,pipes, and other prefab structures- the holes and odd shapes allow fish to hide in them easily.

Subway cars especially redbird cars are used with windows and doors removed, On average 300 fish will inhabit these structures. Studies have shown that they become stable reef enviroment.

Sunken vessels of all types.

Obsolete military vehicles- tanks Armoured personnel carriers(APC) and others.

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