New Jersey Scuba Diving

Ocean City Artificial Reef

Ocean City Artificial Reef

4.5 Nautical Miles off Ocean City
Depth: 55-70 ft

Ocean City Artificial Reef

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.

Ocean City Artificial Reef

Rock & Rubble

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.

More: Rock & Rubble ...

Army Tanks

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.

More: Army Tanks ...

Ohio

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

More: Ohio ...

Artificial Reef Charts, Cape May Dive Sites, Charts, Dive Sites, New Jersey Artificial Reef Charts, New Jersey Dive Sites,

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crane barge

Type:
shipwreck, barge
Sunk:
March 2004
foundered under tow
Depth:
60 ft

This medium-sized crane barge sank under tow in March 2004. The barge is upside-down, but propped up at a 30-degree angle by the crane, rising 30 feet off the bottom at the highest point. The crane is a large rotating affair that is permanently mounted on the barge. It is not the crumpled arm of the crane that supports the hull, but the central cab, so the wreck is stable, and it is safe to explore the cavernous dark space below. The bottom is coarse sand and pea gravel. Eventually, the wreck will crush flat, but that will probably take several years, and until then this is a fun and interesting site. Big eels, Sea Bass, and even one or two lobsters can be found here.

More: crane barge ...

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.

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