Skip to main content

CCA Helps Fund Artificial Reef off Jupiter

Press release The Fishing Wire

Building Conservation Trust joins effort to create new angling, diving destination.



Marine fisheries and recreational angling off the coast of Jupiter, Florida, are set to get a boost this summer with the placement of 40 artificial reef cells in 88 feet of water. The CCA Building Conservation Trust has contributed $25,000 to the Andrew "Red" Harris Foundation for the project, which will utilize innovative reefing materials to create a thriving new ecosystem.

"It will be very difficult to tell that this is anything but a natural reef within a few short months of deployment," said Sean Stone, executive director of BCT. "This is the kind of exciting project that we are targeting to enhance the local marine environment and expand opportunities for anglers and divers. We are very proud to be a part of this partnership."

The site for the project off Jupiter is currently flat, featureless sand plains near the existing Zion Train, Miss Jenny and ESSO Bonaire "Wreck Trek." The new reef cells will rise up to eight feet off the sea floor and create interconnected cavities and surfaces exposed to sunlight and water current. The structures are designed to provide a specific habitat environment favored by a wide range of marine organisms so that where there is now only flat sand, a flourishing ecosystem will develop.

"From that area of the Florida coast anglers in all kinds of boats target a wide range of pelagics – everything from sailfish to amberjack – so the reef has the potential to make a noticeable impact as a destination for divers and anglers," said JD Dickenson, CCA Florida Habitat Committee chairman. "With the reef acting as refuge for forage fish, there is no telling what will come to make a home at the new reef."

The new reef site is expected to positively impact local economies by enticing anglers and divers who utilize local boat charters, hotels, restaurants and other amenities. According to Alan Richardson, chairman of the Organization for Artificial Reefs based in Tallahassee, Florida, for every dollar spent locally on an artificial reef, $138 comes back into local communities.

In addition to the Building Conservation Trust, the Andrew "Red" Harris Foundation is partnering on the $78,000 project with Palm Beach County, the Town of Jupiter, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the Palm Beach County Fishing Foundation, Jupiter Dive Center, and Pineapple Grove Designs.

Visit http://andrewredharrisfoundation.org for more information.

The Building Conservation Trust (BCT) was founded in 2010 as the national marine habitat program of Coastal Conservation Association. BCT is a 501c3 non-profit organization exclusively dedicated to providing funding for local, state and national fisheries, habitat conservation and restoration projects. BCT has created a model for the successful collaboration of business, non-profit organizations and government agencies to revitalize critical habitat and establish a vibrant foundation for the marine ecosystem.




GET THE NEWSLETTER Join the List and Never Miss a Thing.

Recommended Articles

Recent Videos

Florida Sportsman staff films Seakeeper Ride demonstration at Miami International Boat Show 2025. Featuring Kelsey Barre...
Sportfish

Meet the Gale Force Twins

Florida Sportsman staff films Seakeeper Ride demonstration at Miami International Boat Show 2025. Featuring Kelsey Barre...
Sportfish

Gale Force Twins Fish the Keys

Florida Sportsman staff films Seakeeper Ride demonstration at Miami International Boat Show 2025. Featuring Kelsey Barre...
Videos

Outboard Power and Kayaks

Florida Sportsman staff films Seakeeper Ride demonstration at Miami International Boat Show 2025. Featuring Kelsey Barre...
Videos

Kaku Guru Trolling Motor Install

Florida Sportsman staff films Seakeeper Ride demonstration at Miami International Boat Show 2025. Featuring Kelsey Barre...
Videos

Kaku Guru Fin Drive

Florida Sportsman staff films Seakeeper Ride demonstration at Miami International Boat Show 2025. Featuring Kelsey Barre...
Videos

Check Out the New Old Town PDL/ePDL PRO

Florida Sportsman staff films Seakeeper Ride demonstration at Miami International Boat Show 2025. Featuring Kelsey Barre...
Videos

Next Level With the Suspenz Catch-All Cart

Florida Sportsman staff films Seakeeper Ride demonstration at Miami International Boat Show 2025. Featuring Kelsey Barre...
Gear

BoatWorks: Dusky Distinctives

Florida Sportsman staff films Seakeeper Ride demonstration at Miami International Boat Show 2025. Featuring Kelsey Barre...
Gear

Reef Roundup

Florida Sportsman staff films Seakeeper Ride demonstration at Miami International Boat Show 2025. Featuring Kelsey Barre...
Gear

Edge Quest

Florida Sportsman staff films Seakeeper Ride demonstration at Miami International Boat Show 2025. Featuring Kelsey Barre...
Gear

Bait Stop

Florida Sportsman staff films Seakeeper Ride demonstration at Miami International Boat Show 2025. Featuring Kelsey Barre...
Gear

Seakeeper Ride Demo

Florida Sportsman Magazine Covers Print and Tablet Versions

GET THE MAGAZINE Subscribe & Save

Digital Now Included!

SUBSCRIBE NOW

Give a Gift   |   Subscriber Services

Preview This Month's Issue

Buy Digital Single Issues

Magazine App Logo

Don't miss an issue.
Buy single digital issue for your phone or tablet.

Get the Florida Sportsman App apple store google play store

Other Magazines

See All Other Magazines

Special Interest Magazines

See All Special Interest Magazines

GET THE NEWSLETTER Join the List and Never Miss a Thing.

Get the top Florida Sportsman stories delivered right to your inbox.

Phone Icon

Get Digital Access.

All Florida Sportsman subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets.

To get started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine.

Get Digital Access

Not a Subscriber?
Subscribe Now

Enjoying What You're Reading?

Get a Full Year
of Guns & Ammo
& Digital Access.

Offer only for new subscribers.

Subscribe Now

Never Miss a Thing.

Get the Newsletter

Get the top Florida Sportsman stories delivered right to your inbox.

By signing up, I acknowledge that my email address is valid, and have read and accept the Terms of Use