The Organization for Artificial Reefs, Inc. of Tallahassee, Florida

Welcome to OarReefs.org

The Organization for Artificial Reefs, Inc. is a private, 501(c)(3) nonprofit group of marine enthusiasts and artificial reef advocates based in Tallahassee, Florida. Founded in 1985, OAR serves the recreational saltwater fishing industry of Florida's Big Bend Gulf Coast by promoting the professional development of public artificial reefs.

Since 1987, OAR has created or enhanced over 25 named reefs in the Big Bend Gulf and has extensively refurbished four other large manmade marine habitats in the region. This work has cost in excess of $500,000 that OAR has raised directly or indirectly for reef development.

OAR is made up of a dues-paying membership base and a rigorous group of volunteers. The organization is governed by a non-paid board of directors which holds regular meetings open to all members. OAR works with cities and counties as well as state and federal governments and strives to operate at every level as a professional organization, as opposed to a club. The organization also keeps close ties with local and state marine research activities through contacts with other artificial reef groups and the academic community.

OAR supports itself through membership dues, grants, donations, sale of promotional items and proceeds raised by The Big Bend Saltwater Classic. The BBSC is held annually and is the Big Bend Gulf's largest, professionally run fishing tournament. The tournament is headquartered in the port city of Carrabelle, FL in Franklin County and held each Fathers Day Weekend.

Central to OAR's operations is the Research Dive Team. The RDT is a group of specially trained divers who conduct the underwater work essential to the creation of artificial reefs. The RDT recruits new divers with advanced certifications through annual training classes held in March. All of OAR's projects are inherently tied to work performed by the RDT. The RDT is tasked with planning, permitting, design, placement and monitoring of OAR's artificial reefs.

OAR is a staunch advocate of responsibly designed and deployed artificial reefs. Artificial reefs serve to enhance a variety of marine life to promote biodiversity in the marine ecosystem. They also increase saltwater recreational opportunities by providing alternative locations for sport fishing and sport diving enthusiasts. OAR is dedicated to using the best science and technologies available to create professionally engineered artificial marine habitats.