OAR is on a Roll!

This year and next bring several new OAR reefs to the Big Bend Gulf.  This summer we will deploy 21 prefab reef modules in the northern section of the “10-Mile” area near Robby’s Reef.  The reef is a cooperative effort by OAR, the City of Carrabelle, and FWC.  Also planned in that area is “Spencer’s Spot,” a memorial to the late Spencer Ewing Walker.  Closer in, within the newly re-permitted St. Teresa area, two other memorials to Drew Thompson and Catherine Jones will be placed, with the location of a memorial for Bryce Buda pending.  These memorial reefs are funded by families and friends, who are helping OAR coordinate the effort.

For 2027, in cooperation with the Apalachicola Artificial Reef Association, we will deploy our deepest reef yet in 105 feet of water, 30 miles south of Dog Island.  The reef will be a tribute to the late Gregg R. Stanton, FSU Coastal and Marine Lab’s first Diving Safety Officer.  OAR and AARA recently applied for and were awarded a grant for this project by the FWC.

OAR is on the move, and we are excited to announce these 2026 and 2027 additions to the 35 plus reef sites created in the 40 years since our founding in 1986!