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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