"If you build it,
they will come!"

Artificial Reef
Program

The goal of Virginia’s Artificial Reef Program is to replicate a fish habitat close to that which occurs naturally. Each site provides feeding grounds and shelter for reef dwelling fish, which in turn attract larger predator fish. Artificial reef construction is part of a continuing effort to replenish fish populations for the sport fishermen. Currently, Virginia has 23 artificial reef sites (18 inshore and 5 offshore).

In May 2007, the Commission established the newest site, southeast of the Bluefish Rock area.

Satellite Reef Map

Yellow VMRC Buoy

Locating Artificial Reefs

• Artificial reef sites on navigation charts may be described with the words "Obstruction", or "Fish Haven".



• Global Positioning System (GPS) positions are used to indicate the exact placement of reef material or mark the center of an artificial reef.



• Yellow VMRC buoys are also placed near the center of most Chesapeake Bay artificial reef sites.

History

Igloo Model

Private sector artificial reef construction in the 1950s led to the eventual development of a state supported effort in the early 1970s. As did its predecessors, Virginia's Artificial Reef Program relies upon "vessels of opportunity" and scrap materials as mainstays for reef construction. Between 1974 and 1977, six Liberty Ships were sunk on off-shore reefs. Since 1976, over one half million tires in various configurations have been placed on sites in Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.

In the mid 1980s, the program became involved in the development of its first specifically designed pre-fabricated reef structure, the concrete "Igloo." By December of 1991, approximately 100 of these units were in service.

Artificial Reef Work Boat

In the late 80's and early 90's, Virginia's program produced a second designed structure, a concrete tetrahedron. Past monitoring efforts have consisted of research involving the design, siting and biological characteristics of test structures, development of CPUE and general user data, and pre- and post-deployment stability surveys using side-scan SONAR. Future projects will center on determining the cost effectiveness of designed structures vs. materials of opportunity, as well as a review of overall program direction; i.e., evaluation of potential afforded by alternate schemes of habitat development.

Side-Scan Tow Vehicle

 

 

The side-scan tow vehicle is used to send and receive the signals to produce the image.

 

Pipe and Piling
Side-Scan Image

For general information about side-scan imagery visit Wikipedia, the free web encyclopedia. (The Commission is not responsible for the content of other websites.)

For more information on Virginia’s Artificial Reef Program, contact Mike Meier at (757) 247-2263 or by e-mail at mike.meier@mrc.virginia.gov.