Reef Ball Foundation Photos and Project Description Database

Carolina Environmental News August/September 1996 Volume 1, Number 3 Photo courtesy of Reef Ball Development Group Ltd. "Reef Balls" are being manufactured in six different sees with various types of concrete. Their shape makes them stable In areas with strong currents." South Carolina busy with reef revival By MIRIAM ROMAIN Build it and they will come. That's what is happening in South Carolina as various types of materials are being used as catalysts to build reefs where none existed before. To date, the state has 40 permitted artificial reef construction sites along its coast, according to Mel Bell, manager for the South Carolina Marina Artificial Reef Program in Charleston. The program in South Carolina actually dates back to the early 1970s, but there were earlier efforts in the late 1960s, Bell said. "The primary purpose, initially, was to improve recreational saltwater fishing for people here in South Carolina. It's not something we invented. People have been putting manmade structures in the water for hundreds of years to improve their fishing successes." Today's program is part of the Office of Fisheries Management within the Marine Resources Division of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. The primary purpose is still to improve recreational fishing opportunities for people in the state and to increase the amount of productive habitats near the shore and offshore, he said. But, one thing has changed over the years. Aside from recreational fishing, many people have turned to.......