Anglers create reef
balls for
underwater habitat
By PAMELA WOOD, Staff Writer
They're dome-shaped, made of
concrete and full of holes. And
they'll make a great home for
oysters, fish and other critters.
In the searing heat yesterday, a
crew of volunteers created the
latest set of "reef balls" that they'll sink in the Chesapeake Bay later
this summer.
"You get an ecosystem developing on the reef, from microscopic
organisms to flora and fauna," said Pete Abbott, vice president of
the Annapolis chapter of the Maryland Saltwater Sportfishermen's
Association. The group is spearheading the reef ball effort, designed
to improve fishing and help the environment.
For the past two weeks and through next week, MSSA volunteers
are pouring and "hatching" the reef balls at Discovery Village, an
environmental center in Shady Side.
Creating the reef balls involves piecing together round molds and
strategically placing inflatable balls inside to create the igloo-like
shape and holes of various sizes for fish to swim in and out of.
Once the molds are secure, concrete is poured from a truck via a
long chute. Volunteers then follow behind and tap the molds to get
rid of any air bubbles.
After drying, the reef balls are "hatched" from the molds, looking
something like giant concrete whiffle balls.
It takes about a month of curing before the reef balls are plunked
about 35 feet deep in the Chesapeake Bay. The launching point will
be just off of Hackett Point on the Broadneck Peninsula.
Once in the water, the reef balls should attract oysters that attach to
the surface, and fish and crabs seeking shelter.
