Long Bay Artificial Reef Assocation Reef Ball Projects
In July of 1996, Project 98 was born and fund raising began to deploy 400 "Reef Balls" throughout four of the existing reef sites to enhance the habitat. This project was completed on time and within budget in April of 1998. The use of "Reef Balls" was the first in the state of North Carolina and have proven to be true "Fish Motels". Recent surveying with the Aqua-Vu Underwater Viewing System show large amounts of growth and marine life. Upon completion of Project 98, the L.B.A.R.A. announced Project 2000 and the goal to enhance the remaining reef sites. The plan to raise the necessary funds was formulated and the work began. In July of 1998, the L.B.A.R.A. Club Challenge was born. Held annually in July, this King Mackerel and Flounder tournament pits fishing club against fishing club for bragging rights while still recognizing individual achievements. All proceeds go to the L.B.A.R.A.. Held at Southport Marina, Southport, NC, this "Challenge", sponsored by the fishing clubs of Brunswick County has grown to be one of our largest fund raisers. Thanks to the help of many friends, Project 2000 grew to include 600 "Reef Balls" . Once again, the L.B.A.R.A. completed the project on time and within budget. The 600 "Reef Balls" were also deployed during the spring of 2000 with 100 being deployed to all sites except AR 465. Organizational plans and budget requirements are now being formulated for Project 2002 with AR 465 the focal point. The Long Bay Artificial Reef systems have been recognized as the most popular in North Carolina, helping to support a growing Brunswick County recreational economy. Success is the trademark of the Long Bay Artificial Reef Association. Since their formation, they have met and exceeded their goals. As President Dale McDowell said, "As long as the funds are there, we are willing to handle the logistics of the projects."
The Long Beach Artificial Reef Association (LBARA), headquartered in Brunswick County, has received a $10,000 grant from the FishAmerica Foundation. The grant, given in cooperation with the Coastal Conservation Association -- North Carolina (CCA-NC), is for the Yaupon Reef Restoration and Conservation Project. This project, which will begin later this month, is for the restoration and monitoring of fisheries habitat in North Carolina's coastal waters, specifically the North Carolina Marine Fisheries Artificial Site designated as AR-425. It involves placing and monitoring a group of ultra reef balls on the artificial reef site. The funding for the grant comes from the NOAA Restoration Center and Grady-White Boats.
Since its formation in 1984, the Long Beach Artificial Reef Association has been a leader in local, non-profit, fisheries habitat construction and enhancement. Originally chartered to construct six artificial reefs in the section of Long Bay off Brunswick County, NC, they have constructed and continue to maintain seven artificial reefs in the area. They were the first group in the state to use the concrete reef balls, which have become standard for artificial reefs around the world.
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