Garden State North Artificial Reef

Garden State North Artificial Reef

6.5 Nautical Miles off Harvey Cedars, 1.50 sq miles
Depth: 65-85 ft [download]

Good Times and Queen Mary are plotted from 1989 LORAN numbers. Although the TDs are slightly different, the resulting conversions are identical. It doesn't matter, neither one is still there.

This reef is also scattered with Army tanks, and tire units in the east. (not shown) The subway cars are not plotted as they have disintegrated after 20 years. Minimum clearance at mean low water is 50 feet.

Redbird Subway Cars reef
Redbird car on the reef



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.



Good Times reef
Making history - the Good Times was the first vessel sunk by the New Jersey Division of Fish & Wildlife's (then) new Artificial Reef Program.
Type:
artificial reef, charter boat
Specs:
( 52 x 14 ft )
Sunk:
Wednesday August 15, 1984 - Garden State North Artificial Reef
GPS:
gone (LORAN 26873.0 43192.5 = 39.61944° -74.01639° (1989)
Depth:
80 ft


Cladophera
Cladophera
Sea Lettuce
Ulva or Sea Lettuce
Hollow Green Weed
Enteromorpha or Hollow Green Weed
Green Algae

Green algae take many forms, some of which superficially resemble grass and other plants. Cladophora grows in tufts 3"-12" in size. Sea Lettuce - Ulva lactuca - is a green algae that grows in large sheets up to 36" like tissue paper. Small specimens are attached, but large ones are usually found drifting. It is edible and extremely common in protected waters. Enteromorpha algae superficially resembles eelgrass, and like eelgrass may also grow in thick beds.