Artificial Reefs

Four different substrates are being monitored for their utility as reef materials within an estuarine system.   Sedimentation as a result from runoff has lead to the destruction of natural fish habitat and oyster bar building substrate.  CBEC has installed reef balls, pyramid fish havens, large stones at varying depths and Memorial Stadium rubble in an effort of compare rates of attachment for benthic organisms, especially oysters.  The four reefs were constructed between 2002 and 2007 and are successful in attracting juvenile sport fish such as striped bass, white perch, spot and croaker.

Partners: Maryland Environmental Service (MES), National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Oyster Recovery Partnership (ORP), Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Langenfelder Marine Inc., Reef Ball Foundation, Chesapeake Bay Trust (CBT), FishAmerica Foundation (FAF), Gateways Network, Kennard and Sudlersville Elementary Schools, CBEC Volunteers, Keith Campbell Foundation, University of Maryland (UMCES) Horn Pt. Laboratory, Abell Foundation