Florida Artificial Reef Creation and Restoration – Phase 2
Implementing Organization
State of Florida
Overview
DWH Project Funding
$10,404,055
Known Leveraged Funding
$0
Funding Organization
Natural Resource Damage Assessment Trustees (NRDA)
Funding Program
Natural Resource Damage Assessment NRDA
Details
Project Category
Recreational Use
Project Actions
Engineering and/or Construction
Targeted Resources
Recreational Resources
Project Description
The project will implement Phase 2 of artificial reef development across Northwest Florida, creating new marine recreational fishing and diving opportunities for residents and visitors across the region. The project will build upon the interagency partnerships developed during the Deepwater Horizon Natural Resources Damage Assessment (DWH NRDA) Florida Artificial Reef Creation and Restoration project (Phase 1). Specifically, the project will • Establish grant agreements through partnerships with local coastal governments for project implementation (planning, selection, design, permitting, construction, and as-built documentation) off the coasts of Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, and Bay Counties as well as the Cities of Carrabelle and Mexico Beach. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will directly oversee activities in Gulf, Franklin, and Wakulla Counties; • Construct artificial reefs with one or more of the following materials: 1) rock boulders, 2) prefabricated concrete, or 3) designed modules. Representative target fish species enhanced by this project include amberjack, red snapper, vermilion snapper, triggerfish, kingfish, cobia, gag grouper, scamp grouper, and other reef fish and grouper/snapper species. Compared to Phase 1, this project will provide a greater diversity of materials and locations to maximize recreational benefits across a broader geographic range and accommodate a greater variety of marine fish species to satisfy a wider spectrum of user groups. The placement of artificial reefs will provide new recreational fishing opportunities and enhance fishing experiences for saltwater ...click on "More Info" link below
Contact
Gareth Leonard(850) 508-4796
gareth.leonard@myfwc.com
Project Website
None
For official trustee information regarding the Deepwater Horizon NRDA, including information regarding the NRDA process and the status of projects, see https://www.gulfspillrestoration.noaa.gov/