New Jersey Scuba Diving

Artificial Reefs

New York New Jersey Delaware

Throughout this website, you have probably found many references to artificial reefs. An artificial reef is any man-made object placed in the sea as a habitat for marine organisms. Sealife is drawn like a magnet to any large object in the otherwise featureless bottom sand. Almost anything will do, but objects that can withstand the corrosive effects of saltwater are best.

The objective of artificial reefs is to create hard structure habitat for mussels, Sea Bass, Blackfish, Porgy, lobster, and many other species of marine life. Once fish and shellfish establish themselves in their new homes - and it doesn't take long - the reefs produce excellent catches of fish for anglers and provide underwater attractions for scuba divers.

Sinking the ‘Captain Bart’

Tenacious tows the newly-christened "Captain Bart" into position
The State Police demolitions squad goes aboard to set the explosives
But the anchor chain gets stuck ...
... and the new reef drifts in the wind and tide for nearly three hours
Looking up at the pilot house from the tugboat just before jumping over
Diversion II serves as press boat
The sign says: Warning. No Smoking. No Open Lights. No Visitors.
The inside of the bridge. Looks like junk to me, but I'm sure it will all be quickly "salvaged" by wreck hounds
The view forward from the port-side bridge wing
Looking aft from the bow. Tugboat wake swirls in the distance
Explosives all set ... time for everyone to get off !
Tenacious makes one final pass, and ...
Ka-boom !!!
The concussion could be felt even at a distance, as pieces went flying overhead
Fires burn briefly after the explosion
The Budweiser banner didn't make it
At first the ship sinks very slowly ...
... but soon the tilt is unmistakable, as the stern plunges down
The metal hull creaks and groans as the ship sinks
Now the pilot house is completely under
Debris on the deck slides down into the water
The stern hits the bottom at 130 ft ...
... and the ship stands on end for several minutes ...
... digging down into the mud below ...
... before finally settling back down into the water
YOG-58 disappears forever into a boiling mass of bubbles ...
... and becomes the newest addition to the Shark River Artificial Reef

Artificial Reef Sites

New Jersey Artificial Reef Sites

New York Artificial Reef Sites

Delaware Artificial Reef Sites

The famous ( or infamous ) 'Redbirds' subway cars
I miss the days when they used explosives to sink reefs.

All artificial reef activities are controlled by the Army Corps of Engineers, which issues permits for specified materials to be sunk only in specified locations, to avoid creating hazards to navigation. Once a permit for an area is issued, the state may build the reef as it sees fit with little more involvement from the ACOE. Permits must be renewed periodically. The chart above indicates permitted areas in three states, as well as the main approaches to New York harbor. One of the difficulties in selecting a location for a reef is obvious - any place inside the heavily trafficked shipping lanes is out of the question.

Now with GPS numbers!

Artificial Reef Activity by State

State
( N to S )		Population
( 2001 est. )		Ocean
Coastline		# Vessels
( 2005 )
New Englandno significant artificial
reef building activity
New York19.0 million127 miles~ 65
New Jersey8.5 million130 miles131
Delaware0.8 million28 miles~ 3?
Maryland5.4 million31 miles~ 3?
Virginia7.2 million112 miles~ 12
North Carolina8.2 million301 miles~ 35
South Carolina4.0 million187 miles~ 100
Georgia8.4 million100 miles~ 41
Florida
(including Gulf)		16.4 million1350 miles~ 380
California34.5 million840 miles< 10
Artificial Reef Food Web
Everyone benefits from artificial reefs
A Guide to Fishing & Diving New Jersey Reefs

A Guide to Fishing & Diving New Jersey Reefs
NJ Division of Fish & Wildlife, 3rd edition

Includes GPS numbers for all reef sites.

Download your copy of the 3rd edition here. This invaluable book has been out of print for years.

Artificial Reefs Siting

Click

Every fisherman has his favorite fishing area and thinks that it would be the perfect spot for an artificial reef. "Why don't you build a reef here?" they ask.

Obviously, the State could never satisfy every New Jersey angler with his own pet reef. Besides that, there are many constraints that limit both the number and location of ocean reef sites. New Jersey now has a network of 15 reef sites, evenly spaced from Sandy Hook to Cape May. In its original plan, the Reef Program estimated that 14 or 15 sites would be needed to provide access to anglers and divers from every New Jersey inlet.

More: Artificial Reefs Siting ...

MRMTC 8

MRMTC 8 reef
Type:
artificial reef, barge
Specs:
( 90 ft )
Sponsor:
Manasquan River Marlin & Tuna Club, Ann E Clark Foundation
Sunk:
Friday Oct 3, 2006 - Axel Carlson Artificial Reef
GPS:
40°03.387' -73°59.386'
Depth:
80 ft

More: MRMTC 8 ...

Charts,

Disclaimer:

I make no claim as to the accuracy, validity, or appropriateness of any information found in this website. I will not be responsible for the consequences of any action that is based upon information found here. Scuba diving is an adventure sport, and as always, you alone are responsible for your own safety and well being.

Copyright © 1996-2024 Rich Galiano
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