New Jersey Scuba Diving

Ocean City Artificial Reef

Ocean City Artificial Reef

  1. AC Wescoat 2
  2. Kathy (Yanks)
  3. Libra
  4. Maria (Yanks)
  5. Ohio
  6. Shamrock
  7. Sulzer

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

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.

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 ...

Kathy & Maria

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'

More: Kathy & Maria ...

Ohio

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'

More: Ohio ...

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 ...

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

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Goody Bags

goody bag

Goody bags come in several lengths and sizes, but three feet ( yellow mesh ) is by far the handiest and most popular size. Bigger bags are too much of an encumbrance, and if filled to capacity, say with mussels, become too heavy to safely carry underwater.

Goody bags come in a variety of materials. Open nylon mesh is the most common and drains instantly when you exit the water. It is also the best for dragging mussels behind the boat. Canvas is good for spearfishing, as it keeps the fish slime off you, yet still drains reasonably well. It can also have a calming effect on your prey, resulting in less thrashing about. Of course, with a canvas bag, it is more difficult to admire your catch during your hang at the end of the dive. Nylon cloth is used for small tool bags. It is the strongest of all, but drains very poorly. A large nylon bag full of water is a very heavy load to drag up a dive boat ladder.

More: Goody Bags ...

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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