In 1998, 16 fiberglass molds were purchased to fabricate concrete Reef Ball habitats. In 1999, construction of habitats began at Southern State Correctional Facility using inmate laborers. The program is designed to produce 700 habitats each year. Transportation of the habitats to ocean reef sites was provided by the Ocean County Bridge Department and now, by a contractor. In 2002, 650 habitats were placed on 5 reef sites. As of 2002, a total of 2,556 Reef Ball habitats have been placed on 6 reef sites. Some of the larger reefs include Axel Carlson with 169 Reef Balls.Barnegat Light with 490 Reef Balls. Garden State N with 326 Reef Balls and Garden State S with 167 Reef Balls.
