This web site provides current information about Volusia County's artificial reefs located offshore of Daytona Beach, Florida. The site is maintained by the all-volunteer Reef Research Dive Team.

The artificial reef program began just before the sinking of the World War II Liberty ship USS Mindanao in 1980. The objective was to provide nearby artificial reefs to offset the increasing pressure on the local natural reefs. Now, after more than 30 years, it is apparent that the county's federal permitted artificial reef sites are providing the anticipated relief for the natural reefs located farther offshore.

The Reef Team is a nonprofit organization of volunteers who assist the Ponce Inlet and Port District in developing and protecting the county's permitted artificial reefs. The team also monitors the local natural reefs for comparison. The team members have first-hand knowledge about the local artificial and natural reefs.

The team members use their own boats to monitor the conditions on the reefs. The surveys often include underwater videos and photographs. The team members are experienced, open water divers. To insure accurate scientific data, each member has reef monitoring and marine life identification experience using Florida Sea Grant and Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF) monitoring techniques. 

If you are interested in joining the team, or if you are merely interested in learning more about the offshore reefs, you are invited to attend the team meetings. The meetings are held on the fourth Thursday of every month. Meetings start 7:30 p.m. and are held at the Police Training Room in South Daytona City Hall complex, located at 1672 S. Ridgewood Avenue (US 1) in South Daytona. 

You can find Reef Team on Facebook

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