Matinecock Artificial Reef

Matinecock Artificial Reef


New York has a very successful 'flying barge' program
Type:
artificial reef, barges
Depth:
30 - 40 ft
Name Description Sunk GPS
46 ft steel Thursday
Aug 22, 2019
40°54.604'
-73°37.477'
40 ft steel Thursday
July 25, 2024
40°54.613'
-73°37.394'

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.


John Chatterton and the Horenberg knife
John Chatterton and the Horenberg
knife, the most tangible clue to the
identity of New Jersey's mystery U-boat.

In 1991, while checking out an obscure site known for hanging up fishing lines, I dropped down the anchor line only to find a virgin German U-boat. A wreck diver's fantasy of discovering a new shipwreck somehow had become a reality, and it was every bit as good as could be imagined. While reveling in the experience, I wondered if I would have enough skill and luck to ever make it happen again. Several discoveries later, the challenge is still irresistible.