Little Egg Artificial Reef

Little Egg Artificial Reef

4.0 Nautical Miles off Holgate
Depth: 50-60 ft [download]


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.


The larger tug Ranger was sunk on the Manasquan Reef
Type:
artificial reef, barge, etc
Specs:
( 140 ft )
Sunk:
Thursday January 14, 2021 - Little Egg Artificial Reef
GPS:
39°28.340' -74°11.083'

Jessie C reef
Type:
artificial reef, crew boat
Built:
1968, New Orleans LA USA
Specs:
( 55 ft )
Sponsor:
Caldwell's Diving Company
Sunk:
Wednesday February 12, 1997 - Little Egg Artificial Reef
GPS:
39°28.501' -74°11.631'

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.


Butterick reef
Type:
artificial reef, barge
Built:
1989
Specs:
( 62 x 22 ft )
Sponsor:
Berman family, United Jewish Community Fund of Harrisburg
Sunk:
Friday Sept 13, 2002 - Little Egg Artificial Reef
GPS:
39°28.560' -74°11.300'

Waldorf reef
Type:
artificial reef, barge, crane
Specs:
( 110 ft )
Sponsor:
Caldwell's Diving Company
Sunk:
Friday December 3 1999 - Little Egg Artificial Reef
GPS:
39°28.780' -74°11.084'

These are all so-called "true crabs".

Crab anatomy
Crab anatomy - Blue Crab

True crabs are crustaceans with extremely reduced tails, which are carried folded under the body. Males are generally larger than females. Presented here are just the most common of many local species. Sizes quoted below are body width. Hermit Crabs are listed elsewhere. They are not closely related.

Printed from njscuba.net