Editors note: Some very creative use of artificial reef elements.Created in August 2012, the artificial reef consists of an 800-foot long snorkeling and diving trail. The layout consists of 16 piles of boulders and 6 concrete structures that weigh 2 tons each. The reef modules are made from Portland cement and have been lowered precisely onto a geotextile fabric placed on the sand to prevent the heavy reef building material from sinking in. A large panel at the site gives details and a map of the artificial reef area.
Prefabricated reef modules were designed with ledges, holes and niches for underwater life to find habitats. Sand and recycled glass powder was added to cement used for the structures.
While it takes time for marine organisms to attach to underwater objects then grow and sustain life, the underwater habitats are already home to fish, lobsters and octopus. Derelict vessels that sank in storms littered the shallow sandy bottom. Many still remain where they sank. Long lines, chains and anchors from itinerant boats that provided floating homes for their occupants also provided places for life to cling to. (John Christopher Fine copyright 2013)
Complete story here.
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