MA Artificial Reefs?

[Balboa]

I'm curious if anyone knows of any groups in Massachusetts that work towards creating artificial reefs in this state.

I've done some searches on Google, but haven't had any luck. I'd love to see some different sorts of habitat created for lobsters and such (maybe even a few more sunken ships to explore too.)

The other question is, what does it take to create an artificial reef? In other words, what sorts of permits, notifications, impact statements, etc.. would be required to sink a boat out in Cape Cod bay for example.

 

[aquageek]

The Cape Wind project might give you that I suppose

 

[Balboa]

The Cape Wind project might give you that I suppose

It actually could.

Now all they need to do is legalize spearfishing for Striper in this state, and that "farm" will be one of the best fishing spots around.

 

[Soggy]

MetroWest Dive Club had a presentation about the Massachusetts Artificial Reef program...there are a couple reefs around using reef balls and tires. Nothing that sounds worth diving, though.

The long and short of it is...there is no funding. Scoping out an artificial reef takes time and money. There is a program, but from the sounds of it, it is very small. There are currently no shipwrecks that are artificial reefs....there are a few that are marine dumping (Nina T, Gannett), but no "reefs."

I'm curious if anyone knows of any groups in Massachusetts that work towards creating artificial reefs in this state.

I've done some searches on Google, but haven't had any luck. I'd love to see some different sorts of habitat created for lobsters and such (maybe even a few more sunken ships to explore too.)

The other question is, what does it take to create an artificial reef? In other words, what sorts of permits, notifications, impact statements, etc.. would be required to sink a boat out in Cape Cod bay for example.

 

[MASS-Diver]

Sink the Salem! She's a WWII battle ship docked in Quincy (Fore river bridge)

 

[TwoTanks]

As part of the Deer Island Project a few aquatic habitats or "fish condos" were set around boston harbor. They are about 10' by 20' and full of holes for critters to live in. Their actual locations are sort of secret. I have a friend who dove one this spring and the vis was zero there.

TT

 

[Balboa]

I think I'lll start the "Massachusetts Needs Some More Sunken Ships for Diving and Possibly Some Other Objects for Underwater Critters to Live in" fund or the "Mass Critter" fund for short



hmmm.. what does it take to achieve not-for-profit status!

 

[Spectre]

There was NEARS [New England Artificial Reef Society]. YOu can find some stuff on the web, but it looks like their website is gone www.nears.org

 

[MAsharkDiver]

Your best bet for accurate info regarding artificial reefs in MA is to contact the Division of Marine Fisheries directly. I've sat in on some of those presentations where they come straight out and say "there will never be any more artificial reefs" in Massachusetts.

Basically, there is too much bueraccuracy involved and everyone wants a piece of the $$ from any artificial reef project..... then you have to deal with the lovely lobstermen and harbor masters who despise divers and think they own the ocean!