Sixteen Fathom Artificial Reef

16-Fathom Artificial Reef

13 nautical miles southwest of Fire Island Inlet, 1.33 sq miles
Depth: 85 to 103 feet

This is a new reef for 2023, 1-nm square. This reef is located in the separation zone of the very busy Ambrose-Nantucket shipping lane. I can't believe that was permitted by the ACOE.

So far just concrete blocks and forms, no vessels.

It's a start

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.


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From way back when in 1996 ...

NJ Scuba
Diving Myths
by Dr. Jolie Bookspan, author of Diving Physiology in Plain English

Myth 1 - The Dive Reflex Protects You

diving myths

In the dive reflex, heart rate and limb blood flow decrease. Careful science ( that means we didn't accidentally step on the thermisters ) shows time and again that the dive reflex does not reduce the need for oxygen underwater as it does in marine mammals. Field studies ( where you're allowed to step on the thermisters ) indicate that the dive reflex does not extend breath-holding time. Occasional cases of human survival after very cold water near-drowning are not due to the dive reflex. Cold is the likely mechanism behind the reduced metabolism that permits survival.