These Unique Concrete Blocks Will Change The Shape of Okaloosa County’s Diving and Fishing Industries

Marine life in the Gulf of Mexico celebrates a significant expansion in its habitat thanks to a $1.26 million artificial reef project. Funded by the Natural Resource Damage Assessment Fund, this initiative has not only created new underwater habitats but also promises to invigorate the region's fishing and tourism industries.

In Brief:

A $1.26 million artificial reef project in the Gulf of Mexico has added hundreds of new underwater habitats.
Managed by the Coastal Resources team of Destin-Fort Walton Beach, the project included 133 reef sites with 279 reef structures ranging from 6-25 feet.
The project, funded by the Natural Resource Damage Assessment Fund, aims to enhance marine life habitats while supporting fishing and tourism industries in Okaloosa County.

Marine life in the Gulf of Mexico will notice a significant expansion in its habitat thanks to a $1.26 million artificial reef project off Okaloosa County’s Coast. Funded by the Natural Resource Damage Assessment Fund, this initiative has not only created new underwater habitats but also promises to invigorate the region’s fishing and tourism industries.

The project, managed by the Coastal Resources team of Destin-Fort Walton Beach in Okaloosa County, brought a significant transformation in the underwater landscape of the coast.

Over 133 reef sites now host 279 reef structures, varying in height from 6 to 25 feet.

This extensive endeavor, starting in February and ending in early May, included the deployment of some of the deepest modules ever seen in the area, with depths ranging from 65 to 292 feet.

One of the most innovative aspects of this project is the incorporation of 3D-printed modules, a first-of-its-kind addition to the Gulf of Mexico. These modules, deployed in late February, mark a milestone in marine conservation efforts, providing new and diverse habitats for marine species.

Chairman Paul Mixon of the Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners expressed his admiration for the project, highlighting its role in enhancing marine habitats critical for the environment and the local economy. “This is an impressive effort to enhance the habitats for marine life in the Gulf of Mexico waters,” Mixon commented. “This is a great example of how we continue to work to be good stewards of the environment that we depend on for our fishing and tourism industries.”

Alex Fogg, the Coastal Resources Manager for Destin-Fort Walton Beach, emphasized the importance of artificial reefs in supporting native marine life and attracting tourists and anglers. “Our area of the Gulf of Mexico is lacking in natural reef structures for marine life to thrive, which is something we are working to change,” Fogg stated. “Not only do artificial reefs create essential habitat for native species here in the Gulf, but they also provide ideal locations for fishermen and divers to visit.”

The project, funded entirely through grants from the Natural Resource Damage Assessment Fund and administered by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, underscores a commitment to sustainable practices and environmental stewardship.

With the successful completion of this ambitious project, the Gulf of Mexico welcomes a new era of marine conservation and economic opportunity. The artificial reef project stands as a testament to the ongoing efforts to preserve and enhance our natural ecosystems while supporting the livelihoods of coastal communities.