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Introduction |
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Diving on an Artificial Reef |
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Fishing the Artificial Reefs |
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County Locations |
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State Locations |
Just as our beaches attract tourists, our offshore marine environment draws diving and fishing enthusiasts from all over the world. While this represents an important asset to Broward County, it also creates significant pressures on our natural resources. Boat anchors and scuba divers can cause physical damage to natural reefs by breaking coral or "uprooting" other attached marine animals. Commercial and recreational fishing, spear fishing, or lobster-taking can also seriously deplete fishery resources.
Since 1982, the Broward County Environmental Protection and Growth Management Department (EPGMD) has created over 112 artificial reefs offshore of Broward County. The reefs, which are designed to create a new stable substrate, are made from a variety of materials including: ships, barges, oil rigs, limestone rock, concrete culverts, engineered concrete artificial reef modules, and other environmentally suitable artificial reef materials. These materials are deployed at various depths of the Atlantic Ocean offshore of Broward County where they quickly become habitat for a myriad of marine life. Through the artificial reef program, EPGMD is not only creating additional habitat for various marine organisms and fish, but is also helping to decrease user pressure on our natural reefs. This will benefit both our environment and our economy for years to come.
When utilizing an artificial reef, it is important to practice conservation and courtesy so that the reef can continue to be of benefit to others.
The construction of artificial reefs has been a joint effort among government agencies, corporations, foundations, and individuals. Tax deductible donations of material, services, and transportation costs have been the keys to the success of the Artificial Reef Program. Donations to the Artificial Reef Program are always welcome and these donations will help to make Broward County a better place to live, work, and visit.
Many SCUBA divers have found artificial reefs to be a beautiful and exciting dive. The diving-oriented artificial reefs in Broward County are diverse in type, depth, and level of diving difficulty. As with any wreck dive, inherent safety concerns are paramount. Wreck Diver Certification is extremely beneficial and is available through most dive facilities in Broward County. There are many days off Broward County where there is excellent visibility and no current. There are also days where visibility is bad, the current strong, and the ocean rough. It pays to assess the situation before leaving the dock and again at the wreck site. It is better to abort a planned dive than to end up in trouble. The wreck will be there for many decades.
When over an artificial reef, a prudent skipper will always leave someone aboard the boat who can operate the boat in an emergency. This person should maintain a watch for divers surfacing downstream of the artificial reef. Another precaution when diving an artificial reef is to be aware of the hazards of monofilament fishing line and other snags. The buddy system is crucial to wreck diving. Each diver should carry a knife and/or wire cutters to avoid entanglement.
Penetration of any wreck is not recommended. The most colorful and beautiful corals, sponges and fish are on the outside of the wreck where sunlight enhances growth of these organisms. Divers should always maintain their dive profile and should be aware that some dive oriented artificial reefs rise sixty feet off the ocean floor. Pre-dive planning and staying with that plan is important to avoid barotrauma. Finally, only dive within your capability. Make diving on Broward's artificial reefs a safe and enjoyable experience.
Many different species of fish can be caught over or near artificial reefs. Reefs deeper than 200' are especially productive for large pelagic predators. Amberjack, strong fighting fish that can weigh over 100 lbs., are one of the most common reef residents. Amberjack school over the artificial reefs from January to July, with May being the peak month. During this period, the fish are spawning and there is the potential for over harvesting. Because of their relatively poor table value, amberjack should be released whenever possible. It is best to keep the fish in the water while removing the hook or cutting the leader. When caught, the amberjack's air bladder often inflates and the fish is not able to descend after being released. The gentle insertion of an ice pick or large hypodermic needle, into the air bladder will deflate the air bladder without hurting the fish. Other species of wreck dwellers are black, gag, warsaw, and snowy groupers. Giant goliath grouper also make many of the wrecks their home. Anglers should remember that grouper are extremely slow-growing fish and conservation of these species is critical. For current regulations visit the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission site.
Fishermen need not be directly on top of an artificial reef to benefit from it. Many species, including sailfish, kingfish, Spanish mackerel, barracuda, mutton snapper, and cobia appear to use the artificial reefs as the center for their feeding forays. These blue water roamers can be caught in abundance many hundreds of yards from the artificial reef. Cold, plankton-rich waters are forced by the Gulf Stream up and over the top of the wreck. Often, in strong currents, an eddy can be seen on the surface, down current from an artificial reef. Game fish often lurk in this "disturbed" water, feeding on bait fish and pelagic crustaceans.
For further information email Dr. Kenneth Banks or contact by phone at (954) 519-1207.
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