Hempstead Artificial Reef

Hempstead Artificial Reef

3.3 nautical miles south of Jones Beach State Park, 1.33 sq miles
Depth: 50-70 ft

Depth: 50 - 72 ft

Hempstead Artificial Reef




DB-1
Type:
artificial reef, barges
Depth:
50 - 72 ft
Name Description Sunk GPS
115 ft steel 40°31.145'
-73°31.736'
100 ft wood
drydock
1990 40°31.504'
-73°31.914'
Navy 110 ft steel 1993 40°31.077'
-73°31.476'
40 ft steel
dredge
Wednesday
Oct 4, 2000
40°31.010'
-73°32.501'
40 ft steel
dredge
Wednesday
Oct 4, 2000
40°31.010'
-73°32.501'
DB-1 75 ft steel
derrick
Friday
Aug 10, 2018
40°30.971'
-73°32.971'

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.



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.


Northern Kingfish

Menticirrhus saxatilis

Profile by
Heather Corbett
Assistant Fisheries Biologist

The Northern kingfish, Menticirrhus saxatilis, is popular with many saltwater anglers, and it's no wonder. These fish are known to put up a good fight, and their tasty, white meat is well worth the effort.