Breaking NEWS
Largest Artificial Reef Project
in Western Hemisphere
One of the largest, Master Planned Artificial Reef Projects in the Western Hemisphere is underway in the Gulf waters off of Naples/Marco Island/Collier County! Thirty-six reefs off our coast will have a huge impact for the ecology – and economy.
The artificial reef project is coordinated by the Economic Recovery Task Force (ERTF) and a long-time angler and local attorney, Peter Flood, leads the artificial reef team. The project will be funded by private donations and a private BP grant totaling 1.3 million dollars awarded to the City of Naples, City of Marco Island, and Collier County.
The artificial reefs have been designed in consultation with Dr. Heywood Matthews; an oceanographer who has been building artificial reefs for more than 40 years. Florida Power and Light is among the corporate sponsors that have pledged their support and participated in this effort. They have donated 3,000 of the 18,000 tons of material for the project. Conservative estimates anticipate an economic boost by some $30 million dollars through increased tourism and conservation.
The concept of artificial reefs is not a new one; in the past objects such as car parts, bath tubs, refrigerators, tires and anything else that could provide structure were dumped on the sea bottom to attract fish and other marine life with little or no supervision. However, the days of individuals randomly dumping such materials to create their own private reef are long gone. There is an elaborate process involved in the permitting, deployment and management of artificial reefs. There are several rules and regulations in place that dictate where reefs can go and what type of materials can be used.
“It is exciting to see this project move forward with such enthusiasm and backing from so many in our community,” Nancy Richie, City of Marco Island Environmental Specialist said. “The collection of materials is ongoing, permit applications have been submitted, and bids on the project have been received. These are tremendous milestones in developing this world-class destination.” Anticipated construction will likely begin sometime in mid to late 2014 pending United States Army Corp of Engineering permit approvals.
“Southwest Florida can be very excited that this World-Class Reef Destination is a tremendous economic driver that will greatly improve the health of the Gulf,” Representative Kathleen Passidomo comments.
If you would like to consider being among a select few that had the foresight and understanding to support this unique and unprecedented effort to improve the Southwest Florida ecosystem, you have the unique opportunity to place your name on nautical charts used by boating, fishing, and diving enthusiasts. The Business/Family Legacy naming opportunity is limited to six donors with a minimum contribution of $100,000. Please contact the Community Foundation of Collier County at http://www.cfcollier.org/artificial-reef-fund/ or 239-649-5000.
