Artificial Reefs

Sarasota County has a long history of involvement with artificial reefs. These structures are designed to promote marine life by providing habitats for fish and other sea creatures. In Sarasota County, artificial reefs are constructed from various materials, including concrete/reef balls or modules, steel limestone boulders and recycled materials like decommissioned ships and bridges.

Our artificial reef program helps enhance fishing and diving opportunities, bolster marine biodiversity and support the local economy by attracting tourism. We work closely with local organizations and agencies, such as the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), to manage and monitor these reefs, ensuring they benefit the environment and community.

The reefs are strategically placed in the Gulf of Mexico and Sarasota Bay, and regular monitoring helps ensure their ecological effectiveness, allowing for recreational activities like fishing and diving while protecting natural marine environments.

With over 4 million recreational anglers in Florida, the economic impact of saltwater recreational fishing is significant. In fact, it generates $13.9 billion in statewide economic impact and supports over 120,000 jobs.

Deployment Process

1. Site Selection: Locations are identified based on several factors, such as depth, substrate type, proximity to natural reefs and the potential to attract marine life. Sites are also chosen to avoid interference with natural habitats and existing uses like commercial fishing.
2. Permitting and Approvals: Before deployment, necessary permits must be obtained from agencies like the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) to ensure that all environmental regulations and safety guidelines are met.
3. Materials: A variety of materials are used for artificial reefs, including concrete structures, steel, reef balls and modules, as well as recycled items like old ships, bridges and concrete rubble. These materials are selected for durability and their ability to provide stable, long-lasting habitats for marine life.
4. Deployment: Specialized vessels are used to transport and carefully lower the reef materials into pre-approved sites. The placement is done in a way that minimizes disturbance to the seabed and ensures proper spacing for fish habitat and safe navigation.

Monitoring and Maintenance

1. Initial Surveys: After deployment, underwater surveys are conducted to ensure the reef materials are correctly placed and stable.
2. Biological Monitoring: Sarasota County partners with organizations to monitor the reef's biological success. This includes tracking fish populations, marine growth and the overall biodiversity around the reef. Long-term monitoring helps assess the health of the ecosystem and ensures the artificial reef supports a thriving marine environment.
3. Public Access and Education: Artificial reefs are promoted as recreational resources for anglers and divers, with coordinates often published for public access. Sarasota County also educates the public on the ecological importance of these reefs and encourages responsible usage to protect them.
4. Maintenance: While artificial reefs are designed for durability, periodic checks ensure they remain intact and effective. If any issues arise, such as damage from storms or vessels, we may need to adjust or repair the reef structures.