OAR Surveys New Reef Site
Published on March 9, 2025
On March 7, 2025, an FWC biologist and a volunteer diver helped two of OAR’s directors survey the proposed site for a new artificial reef in the 10-mile area south of Dog Island. Last year, OAR gained approval from the Army Corps of Engineers that significantly expands the allowable zone around OAR’s existing “10-mile” reefs. If approved, the new reef will be located in the northwest corner of the zone. Drop camera videos to verify the lack of competing natural live bottom will support an impending grant application for the new reef.
Despite the challenging 62 degree water temperature, FWC also completed two required monitoring dives on OAR’s existing reefs in the 10-mile area, Robby’s and Dixon Camp. We greatly appreciate the support provided by FWC for artificial reefs in the Big Bend and Florida’s other coastal regions.