Artificial inshore fishing reef
in time for Memorial Day weekend
In a project initiated by the Alabama Wildlife Federation (AWF), a new reef in Mobile Bay has been constructed between Mullet Point and the mouth of Weeks Bay in the past week.
Rubble and rock weighing 1,600 tons form the 1.25 acre underwater structure, named the Upper Wreck Reef.
The old rubble used in the project was brought to the site by Sand & Clay and Big Red Container and Harold Sherman from M&N of Alabama deployed the rubble.
“We are glad that the material was recycled,” said Jay Corte of Sand & Clay and Big Red Container.
Riley Boykin Smith, AWF President and Mobile resident, is excited about the progress.
“AWF is proud to be a part of enhancing inshore fishing opportunities in Mobile Bay,” Smith said.
Attracting more fish species is a definite plus for Mobile Bay. Because of its flat surface and lack of cover, the Bay area attracts few fish. It will take some time, but the new reef should change that.
"Anything that adds vertical relief quickly transforms the character of the habitat," explained Jim Duffy of the Marine Resources Division. "Artificial reefs attract encrusting organisms like coral and sponge, and once they are established, small bait fish take up residence and larger fish are attracted. After the complete reef food web is created, the artificial reef functions as a natural reef."
“In the past, fish have been reported to begin utilizing the new reefs as early as a few days after being constructed,” said Tim Gothard, AWF Executive Director. “Memorial Day weekend would be a great time for local fishermen to try it out.”
Information on Alabama’s artificial reef program is available on the Department’s website, www.outdooralabama.com. To make a donation to the artificial reef program, contact AWF at 800-822-9453.
The Alabama Wildlife Federation, established by sportsmen in 1935, is the state’s oldest and largest citizens’ conservation organization. The mission of the AWF, a 501(c) 3 non-profit group supported by membership dues and donations, is to promote conservation and wise use of Alabama’s wildlife and related natural resources as a basis for economic and social prosperity. To learn more about AWF, including membership details, programs and projects, contact AWF at 1-800-822-WILD or visit www.alabamawildlife.org.
