This web site
is
maintained by the Volusia County Reef Research Dive Team Inc. It
provides current information about the county's thirteen
artificial reefs located offshore of Daytona Beach, Florida.
The artificial reef program began in 1980 with the sinking of the
WW II Liberty ship, the USS Mindanao. The objective was to
provide nearby artificial reefs to offset the increasing pressure
on the local natural reefs. Now after more than 25 years, it is
apparent that the county's thirteen federal permitted artificial
reef sites are providing the anticipated relief for the natural
reefs located farther offshore.
To find the GPS coordinates of the artificial reef ships and
deposits, click on the "GPS of the Artificial
Reefs" link on
the left side of the screen, This is the most current update to
the county's April 2000 Artificial Reef folder.
The Reef Notes link contains information about current offshore
conditions and some additional information for boaters, fishermen
and divers.
The other links listed on the left of the screen, contain
information for the reef team that may also be of interest to
boaters, fishermen and divers. The photo links contain
photographs of local reef fish and invertebrates made by the Reef
Team.
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. the team members also act as
mentors to help prospective members complete their first few
offshore surveys.
If you are interested in joining the team,or if you are
interested in learning more about the offshore reefs, you are
invited to attend the team meetings. The meetings are held every
fourth Thursday, each month, except in November and December.
The meetings start 7:30 p.m. at the Police Training Room in South
Daytona City Hall complex. The City Hall is located at 1672 S.
Ridgewood Avenue, (US 1) in South Daytona.
The Next Reef Team Meeting is Thursday October 23, 2008
