By Dr. Sharon Cilano
Artificial reefs are human-made underwater structures providing marine habitat to thousands of species. Any item, from sunken ships to crafted pyramid modules, used as a reef goes through state and local permitting processes prior to deployment. Florida has more than 4,300 public artificial reefs, some are over a century old.
Scientifically backed, artificial reefs were designed in response to fisheries depletion and habitat degradation. Fisheries have seen a positive increase in marine species populations and biodiversity. Additionally, these reefs are important to the local area and economy as hubs for fishing and scuba diving opportunities.
Annually, artificial reefs are brought to the forefront in coastal communities to raise awareness and foster communication. The next Northwest Artificial Reef Workshop will be held October 29, 2026, at Captain Anderson’s Marina. The event is made possible with the support of Florida Sea Grant, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), and Bay County. Join us for this one-day event as vendors, county officials, researchers, state agencies, and private individuals share innovations in reef construction and monitoring! The public is invited to all sessions of the workshop with a registration fee of $35. Registration includes meals and refreshments. If you are interested in being a vendor, the registration cost is $150. Register using the EventBrite link no later than October 27, 2026: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nw-artificial-reef-workshop-tickets-1997858125434.
To learn more about artificial reefs in the state of Florida, visit the website: https://www.flseagrant.org/fisheries/artificial-reef-deployment-and-monitoring/. Use the FWC’s Artificial Reef Locator (https://myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/artificial-reefs/locate/) to explore an online atlas of artificial reefs throughout the state of Florida.
Dr. Sharon Cilano is the Director of the UF/IFAS Extension in Franklin County. As a Florida Sea Grant Agent II, she provides educational programming and community support covering shellfish, aquaculture, and workforce development.
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