Sport Fish Restoration Administrative Program

Artificial Reef Activities

Over the past 20 years, the concept of enhancing marine habitat for fish and invertebrate species through the use of man-made materials has gained significant popularity. Artificial reefs have been effective in providing habitat for a number of reef associated species in the Gulf of Mexico, such as red snapper, grey triggerfish, and groupers, among many others. The proliferation of artificial reefs has also provided enhanced opportunities for anglers to catch these much sought after fish by establishing known locations where desirable species are likely to be found.

Since 1987, artificial reef activities have been coordinated through the GSMFC. In recent years, the Artificial Reef Subcommittee was established, comprised of the state artificial reef coordinators and representatives from the National Marine Fisheries Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Minerals Management Service. Two documents have been developed by the program, including Two Methods of Monitoring and Assessment of Artificial Reef Materials and A Profile of Artificial Reef Development in the Gulf of Mexico, both of which are available from the GSMFC office. The Artificial Reef Subcommittee has also completed a document entitled Guidelines for Marine Artificial Reef Materials, which is a compendium of information related to historical use of man-made materials as artificial reefs, including benefits, drawbacks, and recommendations. Additionally, the Subcommittee has developed a regional data base for artificial reefs in the Gulf of Mexico which contains information regarding types of materials, water depth, distance from shore, and a host of other data elements.

In recent years, the Artificial Reef Subcommittee has been working closely with the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s Artificial Reef Advisory Committee to address national issues. Of primary importance is the recent effort to revise the National Artificial Reef Plan (National Plan), established under the authority of the Department of Commerce, NOAA, National Marine Fisheries Service in 1986. The three interstate marine fisheries commissions requested the endorsement of the National Marine Fisheries Service to take the lead in developing a revision of the National Plan. That endorsement was provided, and during 1998 a completely revised draft of the National Plan was submitted for consideration. As of this writing, a full Federal Register public review of the draft is underway, after which consideration will be given to adopting the revised draft as the new National Plan.

If you need additional information concerning this program, please contact James Ballard at the GSMFC office at (228) 875-5912 or via e-mail.

[Go back to GSMFC Home Page]

If you have any comments or problems concerning this page, please contact the .

Last modified: March 04, 2008