With names like “deep cover”, “lincoln log” and “layer cake”, the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program (SBEP) will deploy new reef modules on three existing artificial reefs in Sarasota Bay during the week of June 17. The three reefs, Walker Reef, Hart’s Family Reef and Sarasota Sportfishing Anglers Club Reef, are managed by Sarasota County Natural Resources.
Reef Innovations of Sarasota constructed the reef modules and will oversee their deployment. Some reef modules were also built by Riverview High School students and scouts with Boy Scout Troop 14.
Six different types of reef modules will be deployed on each site. The reefs are popular fishing destinations that are already supported by materials such as rocks and reef balls. The new modules are designed to attract young reef fish, particularly gag grouper, during their first two years of life. The deep cover module mimics natural ledges and can hold large numbers of fish, offering safety from predators and humans. The reefs will increase fish survival rates until they are large enough to move offshore and become part of the adult fishery.
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Next year, SBEP plans a similar deployment at three artificial reef sites in Manatee County waters within Sarasota Bay. This project is jointly conducted with Sarasota County and would not be possible without the generous financial support of the Sarasota Sportsmen’s Association.
The Sarasota Bay Estuary Program is dedicated to restoring the area's greatest natural asset—Sarasota Bay. Its unique program strives to improve water quality, increase habitat and enhance the natural resources of the area for use and enjoyment by the public. Sarasota Bay is one of 28 estuaries in the United States that have been named by the U.S. Congress as an "estuary of national significance." Partners include Sarasota County, Manatee County, City of Sarasota, City of Bradenton, Town of Longboat Key, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Southwest Florida Water Management District, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
