Education
Artificial reefs play a vital role in building and maintaining healthy fisheries by providing essential habitat that supports all stages of marine life. In areas where natural hard bottom is scarce, they create complex structures that offer shelter, feeding grounds, and spawning areas for a wide range of species. These habitats promote juvenile survival, increase fish recruitment, and enhance biodiversity by attracting everything from small baitfish to larger predator species. By supporting greater species diversity and overall biomass, artificial reefs help sustain productive, balanced ecosystems and contribute to the long-term health and resilience of our coastal fisheries.
CVB coastal resources team uses the best available scientific research and engineering practices in the planning, design, construction, and placement of artificial reefs. Additionally, we incorporate findings from scientific research and monitoring into program decision-making.
Find our strategic management plan and supporting research below:
View PCB CVB COASTAL RESOURCES STRATEGIC PLAN here!
Artificial Reefs in Florida 101 – Why are they built? Part 1 of an Artificial Reef series: FOR379/FR450, 4/2022 https://doi.org/10.32473/edis-fr450-2022
Artificial Reefs in Florida 101 – Effects on fish: Part 2 of an Artificial Reef series: FA240, 5/2022 https://doi.org/10.32473/edis-fa240-2022
Artificial Reefs in Florida 101: Effects on Fishers (and Divers))—Part 3 of an Artificial Reef Series: FA243, 10/2022 https://doi.org/10.32473/edis-fa243-2022