Plans to Sink Another Reef Off Brunsco Coast

By Catherine M. Welch

Wilmington, NC – State Marine Fisheries officials are looking at plans for a proposed artificial reef off the Brunswick County coast.

There are currently eight artificial reefs off Brunswick County's shoreline. The proposed 9th site would be a circular reef sitting about 2.5 miles off Oak Island.

Bob Black is the project manager for the Long Bay Artificial Reef Association. He says the reef would consist of stacked concrete pipes and specially designed concrete structures about the size of a large barrel.

"We have always from day one declared that we will never put any junk into the water, we will only put in environmentally safe materials and everything will meet quite severe inspection before it goes in."

Black says thanks to the artificial reefs, Brunswick County ranks as the top recreational fishing destination in the state. He says if the state and US Army Corps of Engineers sign off on the proposed reef, work could begin next spring.

Public Hearing

Monday, October 12th at 6:00pm

Oak Island Recreational Center

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