Little Egg Artificial Reef

Little Egg Artificial Reef

4.0 Nautical Miles off Holgate, 2.05 sq miles
Depth: 50-60 ft [download]

Little Egg Artificial Reef

This reef is composed largely of Army tanks. ( dozens, not shown )


Type:
artificial reef, barge
Specs:
( 180 ft )
Sponsor:
Beach Haven Charter Boat Association, Junior Mates Program, Sport Fishing Fund
Sunk:
Monday July 14, 2025 - Little Egg Artificial Reef
GPS:
39°28.307’ 74°11.546'



M60 tanks reef
M60 tanks undergo a thorough cleaning before use as reefs

The Artificial Reef Program used four types of obsolete Army armored vehicles as artificial reef materials off the New Jersey coast. These were cleaned at local military bases, loaded onto barges for transport, and pushed off at their final destination. Once the Army had disposed of its excess inventory, the program ceased, around 1999. The Artificial Reef Program has sunk almost 400 tanks altogether, far too many to list them here in this website.


rock reef
A hopper barge full of rock

All manner of concrete, steel, and stone rubble from dredging, demolition projects, and other construction is used as artificial reef materials. This material is generally available at very low cost or free from construction companies who are more than happy to get rid of it. Transportation costs determine where this material is used by the Reef Program.



The Mullica River

Chapter 4

Hidden History of Maritime New Jersey

The Mullica River Shipwrecks and the Revolutionary War

reprinted from
Hidden History of Maritime New Jersey
Steve Nagiewicz

New Jersey has commonly been known as the "Crossroads of the American Revolution." So many of the major Revolutionary War battles were fought here at places that jump off the pages of our history textbooks, like the Battles of Monmouth, Princeton, and Trenton and, of course, the iconic Delaware Crossing on Christmas Day by General George Washington in 1776. Washington and his main army, it seems, had spent more time in New Jersey than any other place. Of course, New Jersey's geographic position between New York and Philadelphia was a large part of that "Crossroads" title. Not surprisingly, the ocean provided another type of crossroad - one that was faster, more direct, and with the ability to send large amounts of supplies and troops by sea and along our coastline.