Ocean City Artificial Reef

Ocean City Artificial Reef

4.5 Nautical Miles off Ocean City, 1.35 sq miles
Depth: 55-70 ft [download]

This reef is composed largely of Army tanks and tire units, with some rock and rubble, and three old boat molds. (not shown) Also not shown on the chart is the SS Minnow, a small 30' commercial fishing vessel. The ferro-cement hull has probably broken up and sunk into the sand, as recent efforts to locate it have not been successful.



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.


Kathy & Maria Barges reef
Type:
artificial reef, barge, canal ( cut in two )
Specs:
( 32 x 13 ft each piece )
Sponsor:
Ocean City Marlin & Tuna Club, Cape May County Party & Charter Boat Association
Sunk:
Wednesday/Thursday June 22/23, 1997 - Ocean City Artificial Reef
GPS:
Kathy: 39°10.719' -74°33.259'
GPS:
Maria: 39°10.814' -74°33.044'


Libra reef
Type:
artificial reef, barge, dredge
Specs:
( 70 ft )
Sponsor:
Strathmere Fishing and Enviromental Club, Ann E Clark Foundation
Sunk:
Thursday June 16, 2016 - Ocean City Artificial Reef
GPS:
39°9.993' -74°34.095'

Comments on Ocean City Reef

Questions or Inquiries?

Just want to say Hello? Sign the .

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


Click image to replace if unable to read.

Enter the digits from the image above, except for the last one:

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.


Morania Abaco reef
Four explosive charges set by a U.S. Navy demolition team rip holes in the hull of the Morania Abaco on the Atlantic City Reef. ( Photo by Ray Fisk )

Old Ships Make New Homes For Fish

Old vessels make excellent artificial reefs. They provide high profile structure for pelagic fish, low profile structure for demersal fish, as well as surface area for the attachment of mussels, barnacles, tubeworms, and other food organisms. Shipwrecks have been the basis for the state's bottom fisheries which feature sea bass, tautog, ling, cod, and pollock. and for recreational scuba diving activities. The New Jersey coast has a large number of shipwrecks, estimates range from 500 to 3,000. These wrecks are the result of 200 years of maritime disasters and enemy submarine operations during World Wars I and II.