Nearly 500 tons of concrete poles are heading underwater to support an artificial marine habitat
This holiday season, OUC is spreading cheer under the sea with a gift to Florida’s coastline.
OUC is donating about 160 concrete pole sections to support a new artificial reef project off the Brevard County coast. With each pole weighing between 5,000 and 8,000 pounds, nearly 500 tons of “holiday cheer” are heading underwater to create vital habitats for marine life.
The concrete “gifts” will be placed at the permitted Brevard County Artificial Reef Site, about 15.5 nautical miles east of Port Canaveral in 80 to 85 feet of water. The plan, known as the 2025 Brevard County Artificial Reef Project and led by the county’s Natural Resources Management Department, is slated to add a new patch of reef to an area where nine other artificial reefs have been deployed since 2015.
OUC is teaming up with partners including the Coastal Conservation Association, Central Florida Offshore Anglers, Florida Sport Fishing Association and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to bring the critical reef to the coast.
Once the reef makes its under-the-sea debut, it will create new shelter, feeding and spawning areas for marine life, while giving a boost to local fishing, diving and coastal businesses. An official deployment date is not yet set.
At OUC, we strive to be sustainable in all we do, including promoting environmental stewardship. For more information about OUC’s sustainability initiatives and community partnerships, visit OUC.com/Sustainability.
