Reef Dropping and Diving For All
Chasin’ The Sun takes a deep dive below the surface to learn how artificial reefs benefit anglers and divers alike.
The floor of the Gulf of Mexico off northwest Florida is a virtual underwater desert, with vast expanses of sand interrupted by patches of exposed limestone. These “live bottom” areas are covered with marine life and attract a wide variety of fish species. Artificial reefs aim to mimic natural reefs by adding substrate to barren areas, thus expanding the ecosystem and providing new recreational opportunities.
There are more than 800 reefs in the waters off Panama City Beach, most of them intended to benefit anglers. “The fishing community is an integral part of the artificial reef planning process,” says Chantille Weber, Coastal Resources Director.
Recreational divers also benefit by having a wide variety of sites to explore. Among the most popular artificial reefs are those featuring decommissioned military assets, including fighter jets, research vessels, minesweepers and hovercraft.
“It’s common to see the majority of the shipwrecks completely covered with marine life,” says Capt. Kelly Colwell, a local dive boat operator. “These wrecks are teeming with baitfish, amberjack, red snapper, flounder and other species.”
We also tag along with Adapt-Able SCUBA, an organization that connects able-bodied and adaptive communities so all can enjoy the freedom of exploring the underwater world, and visit the Man in the Sea Museum, which showcases Bay County’s rich military diving history.