Artificial Reef Construction Overview

Estimation and Discussion of Usage

Suggestions for Resolution of Conflicts

Research and Engineering Project Strategies

Prepared by Capt. Monty Hawkins 2/9/04 Ocean City, MD.

Maryland’s Coastal Artificial Reef Development

Prior to a discussion of artificial reef development it should be noted that "wreck fishing," or anchoring over a specific structure, was only common after the invention of accurate location finding electronics. Prior to that almost all recreational fishing for demersals such as black sea bass, tautog, porgy, codfish and red hake took place while drifting on large areas of natural low lying reef such as glacial deposits and areas of rock outcrops. Curiously, as navigation became more accurate and previously unknown shipwrecks were discovered so were vast schools of large fish located on these sites and heavily fished. Even as populations were becoming overfished these new areas gave the illusion that all was well in the fishery.

Also at this pivotal time in local fisheries commercial towed gears, in particular surf clam dredges, were also able to utilize improved navigation systems. According to anecdotal evidence and current scientific proofs, these gear types are thought to have degraded or destroyed multiple areas of natural low lying reef while avoiding larger boulders and wrecks. Perhaps of even greater interest is the recent gradual increase in productive natural reef bottom since management restrictions were enacted by the Fisheries Councils. Although not targeted as a management objective, reduced gear pressure in some areas has resulted in rebounding reef communities. Live bottoms closest to artificial reefs have been the first to begin to recover.

Reef Development Timeline

Early1960’s:

Three wooden menhaden purse seiners, a wooden dragger and several barges were sunk at the Bass Grounds approximately 9 miles offshore in the debris field of the African Queen wreck. They are still in place and, although badly degraded, are still heavily fished.

Mid 1970’s:

Tire units were constructed and placed on 3 reef sites. Unfortunately, poor engineering in both unit design and placement allowed the units to break up and become a trash problem on local beaches. However, some of these tires remain somewhat on station and are heavily fished. Ocean City was not alone in this regard. Every State that used the units experienced similar problems. The problems created by cleanup caused reef construction along Maryland’s coast to be viewed in a negative way and all reef construction was halted until 1989.

1940’s to very recent times.

Offshore disposal by the owners of commercial fishing vessels that had become worn-out has taken place at various locations. Total number of these vessels as well as all their locations is unknown.

1989 - 1997

During this time period a great deal of progress was made; first by the Town of Ocean City and then the newly created DNR Artificial Reef Program. Reef sites that were built on include every active permit except the Bass Grounds and Kelly’s Reef, which has since lapsed. A submarine, retired Coast Guard vessels, a large yacht, several barges, concrete rubble, a tug boat, tanks and armored personnel carriers, well designed and ballasted tire units as well as hundreds of miles of outdated trans-Atlantic communication cable were used in reef construction during the period. Everything deployed during the period is still functioning as reef except the concrete rubble. It was not mounded high enough to resist scouring and subsequent covering over by sand.

1997 to Present

After budget cuts the DNR dropped their reef program. Ocean City recreational fishing interests created the "Ocean City Reef Foundation" and permits for coastal artificial reefs were transferred to the Town of Ocean City. The construction of reefs has continued to present using the same materials as were used by the State’s program with the exception of tire units.

Through private donations the OCRF has been able to more than double the "foot print" of our coastal artificial reef system. Two reef complexes, the "Great Eastern" and "African Queen" are approaching full build out. Every active permit has been built on and additional permits are being sought.

An Estimation of Fishing Effort on Maryland’s Natural, Accidental and Artificial Reefs

Following are three "snapshots" based on estimates that are of my own calculation. Unfortunately, of the five primary demersals that once inhabited our region only two remain. Codfish, porgy and red hake may be considered geographically extinct for the purpose of recreational or commercial fishing. Additionally, during 1983 there was considerable effort given to Boston mackerel and sea trout; both of which are no longer viable fisheries. That effort has been redirected toward sea bass. Therefore, I have only used black sea bass fishing effort. Tautog effort is widely variable from year to year but is certainly increasing.

The sale of the O.C. Princess in 2002 should be noted in the 2003 figures. Presumably, another full day boat will fill that void in the near future and the reduction of passengers fishing aboard party boats should be expected to rise sharply.

1983 Black Sea Bass Effort

Full Day Trip Party Boats - 4 - Approximately 300 trips and 10,908 persons fishing.

Half Day Trip Party Boats - 2 - Approximately 222 trips and 6,770 persons fishing.

Full Day Charters - Approximately 23 trips and 130 persons fishing.

Private Boat Trips - Approximately 330 trips and 990 persons fishing.

Approximate total of anglers 18,798 - Approximate landings 186,017 fish - Intentional Releases 0

Total Boat Trips 878.

< 325 were targeted towards Artificial Reef

> 426 were targeted towards Accidental Reef

< 139 were targeted towards Natural Reef

1993 Black Sea Bass Effort

Full Day Trip Party Boats - 4 - Approximately 480 trips and 19,289 persons fishing.

Half Day Trip Party Boats - 3 - Approximately 732 trips and 25,132 persons fishing.

Full Day Private Charters - Approximately 40 trips and 240 persons fishing.

Private Full Day Trips - Approximately 840 trips and 2,520 persons fishing.

Approximate total of Anglers 47,181 - Approximate landings 319,771 - Approximate releases 123,107

Total Boat Trips 2,092

< 950 were targeted towards Artificial Reef

> 980 were targeted towards Accidental Reef

< 256 were targeted towards Natural Reef

2003 Black Sea Bass Effort

Full Day Trip Party Boats - 2 - Approximately 309 trips and 7893 persons fishing.

Half Day Trip Party Boats - 2 - Approximately 380 trips and 17,100 persons fishing.

Full Day Private Charters - Approximately 120 trips and 720 persons fishing.

Private Full Day Trips - Approximately 1800 trips and 6300 persons fishing.

Approximate total of Anglers 32,013 - Approximate landings 254,538 - Approximate releases 278,883

Total Boat Trips 2,609

>1975 were targeted towards Artificial Reef

< 427 were targeted toward Accidental Reef

< 209 were targeted toward Natural Reef

A Discussion of Reef Usage and Conflict

As can be clearly seen in the previous figures; the number of boats targeting reefs is rising considerably. This is probably mainly due to improvements in navigation such as GPS and the availability of correct locations. The depletion of other target species such as flounder and sea trout also play an important role in the increased use of artificial reefs.

Even though there is a clear increase in boats, the conflict among users has diminished greatly in the last 15 years. In times past, conflicts between scuba divers and recreational fishers were often tense. With the availability of additional places to fish it is almost unheard of now. Also, competition among fishers was fierce in arriving first at a shipwreck and caused conflict. This too has been greatly lessened or eliminated.

There is a perception that commercial fishers target artificial reefs too heavily by many recreational users. Traditional bass trap gear fouls lines as recreational fishers drift a reef. It is not as much of a problem for those who anchor except when the anchor becomes fouled in the gear. Resolution of this conflict will involve stabilizing or reducing the amount of gear while continuing to expand reef construction and necessitate the protecting of natural reef areas from stern towed gears. These gear types can sweep up bass trap gear causing financial hardship through gear loss and time lost in searching for and repairing the traps. Typically, natural reef areas are preferred by trappers owing to the reduced likelihood of gear snagging and loss. It is only the very real risk of gear loss from stern towed gear that makes natural reef less appealing.

Additionally, some commercial bass fishers have been seen as users who don’t pay. That is, they, as a group, have not been financially involved in reef building. There are plenty of recreational fishers who haven’t either. A tax, perhaps similar to a duck stamp but based on usage, will help level the field and force the leaners to help lift.

By far the greatest increase in usage has come from the private boat sector. These users often prefer productive areas that are reasonably close to shore. Improvements in navigational instruments have allowed greater scope for this user set and many are now fishing the most distant reef complex, the "Great Eastern." Still, continued construction on the Bass Grounds, Russell’s {Great Gull Shoal} and granting of new permits on the Isle of Wight Shoal and Fenwick Shoal will be appreciated by this user group.

One reef site that is in the permit process is the Jackspot. The shipwreck "Cook" lies on the inside edge of the shoal and is still an occasional source of conflict between fishers and divers due to the distance from any other wreck. Expansion of the available productive bottom there will eliminate the problem.

A Biological Discussion of Coastal Artificial Reefs

How odd that a Japanese bank will lend money for the construction of an artificial reef based on expected production while here scientists continue to debate if artificial reefs have any role in fisheries other than to concentrate finfish for harvest.

It is sad to say that the biological production of artificial reefs remains unproven.

Given the abundance of habitat knowledge in other than the marine field, it seems illogical to conclude otherwise. If there were an expansion of forest, field or marsh in an area there are those who could forecast an expected rise in population of certain species. This is not the case for artificial reefs. Certainly, when a reef is first sited the initial demersal settlers are from other locations. However, over time the reef becomes self sustaining. Only the substrate is artificial. All the beneficial fouling organisms, finfish and crustaceans are simply a natural part of a reef that has matured.

Tagging studies have shown an overwhelming favoritism by sea bass and tautog to a certain habitat. While tautog are not given to migration, sea bass often move well over 60 miles in an overwinter migration. They return to the same reef areas; even occasionally to the same exact spot on a reef. It is not known whether this habitat fidelity begins at spawning or at some other life stage. Irregardless, given the expanding fishing effort on our coastal reefs, if reefs only served to concentrate fish then the surrounding areas would soon become impoverished. That is hardly the case. Natural and accidental reefs in surrounding areas have thrived as well.

And well they might. Artificial reefs are typically higher in profile than all but the most robust natural reefs. This allows a more rapid settlement of the important epibenthics such as mussels and hydrazoans that often end up in the food web of desirable finfish. Many other species, including temperate corals, contribute to the complexity of the habitat. It is the complexity, the interstitial spacing - or most simply - hiding places great and small, that offer shelter to various life stages of virtually all a reef’s species, especially the crustaceans. There are many shrimp-like animals as well as several species of crab and even the well-known northern lobster that all end up in the food web. Complexity equals production. Production should be the primary goal of Maryland’s reef program.

The lowest lying areas of a reef seem to develop growth last, and in some areas won’t be settled at all. This is thought to be due to the "scour line" or areas affected by water currents that are loaded with sand that scour off newly settled organisms preventing a colony foothold. Most of the naturally occurring reefs in our area are well below the scour line and may have delays in resettlement after storm or gear related impact. If a thriving artificial reef is located nearby it stands to reason that there will be an improved chance of resettlement on a damaged reef because of denser spawn in the area. The greatest numbers of larvae have the best possible chance of successful colonization.

New reef construction should, ideally, not only focus on the habitat requirements of the targeted species but include engineering that will help foster greater habitat complexity so that the production of the reef is maximized. In the future, artificial reef siting could also be engineered to protect sensitive natural live bottoms as well as maximize their output.

Ideas for cost share/benefit share:

Concrete, owing to it’s stability and longevity in the marine environment, should be second in choice only to quarried rock. Manufacturers of concrete items such as barriers, railroad ties, pipe and pipe junctions all have a percentage of miscast material. These items are expensive to landfill and manufacturers are often eager to dispose of them in a cost saving way.

In addition, certain laws and funding requirements have mandated a percentage of waste materials, particularly concrete paving, be recycled. If artificial reef construction became included in the definition of "recycle" it would create a materials flow.

The State Highway Administration would be the candidate of choice for maximizing concrete material flow as well as partnering directly with manufacturers.

Ex-military vessels and vehicles are typically very robust and long lasting in the marine environment. Given the amount of military activity in Maryland; partnerships should be created that foster an exchange of materials and information.

For instance, Wallops Island, Virginia often closes a vast section of ocean for missile experimentation and target practice. It may be possible that every branch of the military would see the benefit of acquiring suitable reef material, stationing it on permitted areas and using it for demolition or target exercises. Naturally, some choices would have to be made in regard to weapons selection. Depleted uranium may not be the best alternative. If such a program became successful, targets of opportunity would become scarce. Ferro-cement has been used in the past to rapidly create robust, but heavy, floating docks and boats. Engineering for stability on the bottom would be required.

More simply, reviving "Operation Reef-Ex" wherein outdated vehicles were cleaned and sited as reef by the Army would be helpful in building out Maryland’s reefs.

Currently, the OCRF advertises in a popular shipping magazine seeking dilapidated ships, barges and large boats made of steel. This approach could be expanded and the reef materials are enormously desirable to the SCUBA community.

Of greatest funding importance might be the "in kind" matching fund grants available from Wallop-Breaux tax moneys.

Coastal research needs:

1) Creating a scientifically acceptable model of the biological and economic gains to be had from reef construction should be a priority.

2) An economic model demonstrating monetary gains through bycatch reduction in the reef fisheries would be of great use.

Efforts in both the commercial and recreational sectors have, in the past, been offset by wasteful practices of others. For example, in the late 90’s a commercial bass trap vessel was seen repeatedly culling undersized fish after their day’s fishing was done rather than live culling as is commonly practiced. Unfortunately, this boat had some of its gear on the African Queen Reef Site and, given the previously described habitat fidelity of sea bass, greatly impacted the production of the reef for several years. If a cost benefit ~ profit analysis were created the need for legislation/rule creation would be reduced or eliminated.

In the recreational fishery, hook selection can be shown to be of great importance in reducing dead discards.

A study of increased release mortality at depths beyond 120 feet with high air temperatures would also give recreational fishers useful information.

3) Investigate the use of artificial reefs to rebuild stocks of greatly depleted demersal finfish such as codfish, red hake and porgy as well as lobster populations.

4) Determine whether positive associations to the marine food web could help restore highly migratory pelagics such as the billfishes, tunas and sharks.

Stomach content analysis, both scientific and anecdotal, reveals various life stages wherein pelagics feed on the benthos associated with temperate reef environments. Also, species such as butterfish and squid are commonly found on these reefs and presumably stock populations are somehow tied to the quantity of reef available.

Additionally, investigate where breaks in the marine food web have occurred and how they affect reef production.

For instance, bluefish currently school tightly on reefs and feed heavily on sea bass in the fall. Is this a change over time or a reversion to the mean?

5) The question of whether a flourishing large scale reef environment can positively effect marine water quality should be addressed.

6) A forecast of user increase/decrease using variables such as regulation, disease, availability of wharfage and fluctuations of other species populations would be of use in determining the amount of artificial reef needed to meet the future needs of the fisheries.

7) Investigate ways that Fishery Management Plans can maximize reef production through gear protection, slot limits for size/sex, hook selection and other tools available to managers.

8) Chemical analysis of otoliths has been shown to be a reliable indicator of where a fish was spawned. Using this science could help establish a production model of artificial reefs as well as establish when habitat fidelity begins.

9) Research and experimentation should be carried out to determine if engineered units are cost effective compared to materials of opportunity.

10) Can interstitial spacing be manipulated to maximize the production of economically important crustaceans such as lobster or even modeled to create peak overall production of a given area. Certainly, the production of rock and jonah crabs can be tied to successful foraging of desirable finfish.

11) An effort should be made to have more of the Japanese work in artificial reefs translated and brought into use. This country has been involved with reef construction longer than any other country and a great deal of the work has been documented.

Ideas for innovation in reef construction:

1) Use of safe biodegradable materials mixed into concrete reef units can create a variety of interstitial spacing. Previously, this has been done with biodegradable food containers. The results have not been studied but appeared to closely replicate live bottoms known to be productive.

2) Of interest to those trying to rebuild oyster populations would be the 5 to 8 inch oysters found growing on the hull of the "Katie Lynn." This vessel was donated to the OCRF after being abandoned for approximately seven years. During that time the vessel floating dockside very near to the mouth of the Ocean City inlet and was not moved. It collected an impressive oyster population and did so in an area hardly noted for oyster production.

Would it be possible to engineer a floating reef unit of, say, ferro-cement that would allow grow out of oysters in the upper water column and help reduce stresses caused by predation. Once the desired growth was reached these units could then be towed into permitted positions and flipped while being sunk creating an instant oyster reef.

3) Although presently considered taboo by many in the artificial reef community, engineered tire units have served well along coastal Maryland. These units were deployed in the early - mid 90’s by the Army Corps of Engineers and were constructed using rebar and concrete as a stabilizing material. They were immediately targeted by recreational and commercial users. In fact, angler trip data demonstrates that they are the most heavily fished reef sets along coastal Maryland. Published research and correspondence with fisheries ecologists reveal no detrimental association in the marine environment with tire units that have been properly built. Additionally, innovative ways of making them even more stable have been designed as well as research on storm and wave impact pointing toward proper site selection. There is still a massive problem with tire disposal and there is already a tax on them dedicated to proper elimination.

4) Tiers of material could be utilized to maximize reef output on any given site. That is, if the exposed surfaces of the reef are where production takes place then raising another surface above, with allowances for water circulation, could conceivably more than double the biological output by creating nearly twice the available surface for colonization.

Conclusion

Artificial reefs along Maryland’s coast have become critical to the well being of a large recreational fishery. These coastal reefs have played a major role in improving stocks of the remaining demersals despite increasing fishing pressure. It should be a goal of the State to continue the building and expanding of the reef system, not only to provide opportunities to the fishing and diving communities, but in order to restore historical populations of once important demersals and pelagic predators.

Capt. Monty Hawkins
Party Boat "Morning Star"
www.morningstarfishing.com
410 520 2076 Advance Ticket and Info line
mhawkins@siteone.net
11546 Dolly Circle
Berlin, MD. 21811

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