[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he MBARA has biggest deployment ever and is the first in Florida to deploy new Super Reefs!
The Mexico Beach Artificial Reef Association (MBARA) partnered with the City of Mexico Beach and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to complete a new $183,000 artificial reef construction project off the coast of Mexico Beach and Port St Joe on March 31st and April 1st, 2014. This is the largest project undertaken by MBARA to date. The deployment was made possible by a $120,000 grant from the Florida FWC and the US Fish and Wildlife Service, a $55,000 grant match from MBARA, and $8,000 from private donors. These materials were placed in 18 new reef sites. In addition, two memorial reefs were expanded with the private funds. The reef structures included 33 Florida Limestone Artificial Reefs, 15 Grouper Reefs with Ecosystem units, 10 Super Reefs and one Florida Special Reef. All were distributed at sites from 1.5 to 15 miles offshore. Coordinates will be published on the MBARA website.
The 10 newly designed Super Reefs are 17-25 feet tall and are the first to be deployed in Florida. They have been placed in depths from 85 to 104 feet to meet minimum clearance requirements.
This is another great accomplishment in the MBARA’s goal to develop Mexico Beach’s permitted artificial reef areas with patch reefs every 1/4 mile. These wonderful habitats are only made possible by fundraising, grants from the FWC and US Fish & Wildlife Service Sport-fish Restoration Fund, sponsor support, and donations from citizens and members. With continued and increasing support, the MBARA will continue to build more reefs improving our fisheries and marine habitat for everyone to enjoy.
You can help build more reefs by becoming a sponsor, member, or donate today by visiting WWW.MBARA.ORG.
Photos by Carol Cox and Bonita Thompson