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The Delaware Reef Program
by Jeffrey Tinsman
Delaware has eleven permitted artificial reef sites in
Delaware Bay and along the Atlantic Coast. Development
of these sites began in 1995 and will continue in the
future. The Delaware Reef Program is one part of a comprehensive
fisheries management effort and is designed to enhance
fisheries habitat, benefit structure-oriented fish and
provide fishing opportunities for anglers.
Reef construction is especially important in the Mid-Atlantic
Region, where near shore bottom is usually featureless
sand or mud. We have neither the natural rocky outcrops
common in New England or the coral reefs of our Southeastern
Atlantic Coast. Durable, stable, non-toxic reef materials
can develop an invertebrate community which is hundreds
of times richer than adjacent bottom, providing food and
physical protection for reef fish such as tautog, seabass,
scup, spadefish and triggerfish. In addition, gamefish
such as bluefish, striped bass and weakfish are attracted
to baitfish, which congregate around reef structure.
Recycled materials have supported reef development efforts
to date. Donated concrete culvert pipe and other concrete
products are the primary material used at the eight Delaware
Bay sites. Ballasted tire units have been deployed at
the three ocean sites. The tugboat "Golden Eagle" has
been sunk in the lower bay. To date, over 63,000 tons
of concrete products, 8,000 tons of ballasted tire units
and 86 decommissioned military vehicles have been deployed
on our sites. Vessels on Delaware reef sites include "P3"
and "Dolphin" (site #7), "Golden Eagle" (site #8) "Delilah"
(site #11) and Margie Ann (Site #11). The Navy barge,
"YC 1479" was sunk on site #11 in October 2000. Navy barge
YON 80, went to the bottom in June, 2002. The Navy workshop
barge YR 85 will be sunk in late 2003. To date, 619 "Red
bird" subway cars have been deployed on site #11.
The Delaware Reef Program is an on-going habitat Enhancement
Program funded by the Federal Aid in Fisheries Restoration
Act. These funds are derived from excise taxes on fishing
and boating equipment. Angler's money is used to enhance
fisheries habitat and provide fishing and diving opportunities.
For more information, including a downloadable Artificial
Reef Guide, visit the Artificial
Reef Program online.
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