SBEP to Deploy New Artificial Reef Habitat Modules in Sarasota Bay
The Sarasota Bay Estuary Program (SBEP) will deploy new reef modules on three existing artificial reefs in Sarasota Bay during the week of September 12, 2016. The three reefs, Bayshore North, Bayshore South and White Key, are managed by Manatee County Natural Resources. Reef Innovations of Sarasota constructed the reef modules and will oversee their deployment.
Six different types of reef modules will be deployed on each site. The reefs are popular fishing destinations that are already supported by materials such as rocks and reef balls. The new modules are specially designed to attract young reef fish, particularly gag grouper, during their first two years of life. The deep cover module, in particular, mimics natural ledges and can hold large numbers of fish, offering safety from predators and humans. The reefs will increase fish survival rates by protecting juvenile fish until they are large enough to move offshore and become part of the adult fishery.
Flip to page 2 of the Manatee County Boating Guide to see the locations of the reefs that will receive new modules this week.