Grand Isle’s Independence Island Reef Enhanced
A 4-acre expansion of the Independence Island Reef, northeast of Grand Isle, La., began in December. The addition of roughly 7,000 tons of large limestone will enhance the reef, which has become a favorite fishing destination of thousands of anglers since the original reef was built in 2011.
The Coastal Conservation Association-Louisiana, Shell, Bertucci Contractors and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) partnered on the project. Independence Island Reef Phase II is the 18th reef of its kind to be built by CCA Louisiana since 2002.
“CCA Louisiana is pleased to bring another reef project to the Grand Isle area,” said CCA Louisiana VP of Habitat John Walther. “The innovative design of Independence Island Reef Phase II will take advantage of the natural tidal flow moving in and out of Barataria Pass, making the site an even more attractive habitat for fish, and a better spot for anglers.”
“We frequently hear from Grand Isle anglers who have had tremendous success fishing on the original Independence Island Reef site,” said CCA Louisiana CEO David Cresson. “If history is any indication, we would expect speckled trout and redfish to populate the site as early as Spring 2016.”
Upon completion, marker buoys will be placed on the site so anglers can locate the reefs. The location of the new addition is at GPS coordinates 29° 18’ 29.40”, 89° 56’ 00.24”.