Axel Carlson Artificial Reef

Axel Carlson Artificial Reef

2.0 Nautical Miles off Mantoloking, 5.19 sq miles
Depth: 65-80 ft [download]

The Axel Carlson reef is situated in a trough next to an underwater hill known as the Manasquan Ridge. This is an area of silty mud bottom and usually has relatively poor visibility. Axel Carlson reef is sometimes referred to as the Mantoloking reef. It also contains a number of sunken army tanks ( not shown. ) Minimum clearance at mean low water is 40 feet.

The pink areas on the chart are the "Full Access Zones", approximately 0.6 square miles. These are the areas where commercial fishermen will continue to be allowed to set their traps and lines as of 2015. For the rest of us, those are more like "No Access Zones," but some sort of fair compromise needed to be reached with the commercial fishermen, some of whom could legitimately claim to have fished those spots for generations.

The actual location of the Carrabassett is a secret.

Axel Carlson Reef side-scan
Side-scan image of the entire reef, back when it was largely empty
Much more recent side-scan, showing build-up of rock piles
NOAA



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




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.


Barnegat Chart