Why fishing in the Gulf of Mexico
is the best in the world...
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The Alabama Marine Resources Division (AMRD) manages the most diverse artificial reef program in the United States
"Hard bottom substrate is very limited along the water bottoms of coastal Alabama and the addition of purposely designed artificial reefs along the predominantly featureless landscape of sand and muddy substrates has proven to be extremely effective at increasing the biomass of reef fish populations including red snapper, gray triggerfish, sheepshead, flounder, and gray snapper. Furthermore, constructing high-quality reefs within Alabama’s coastal waters increases the connectivity between inshore, nearshore, and offshore habitats. " Read more
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In-Shore Reefs
The Alabama Marine Resources Division (AMRD) creates hard bottom areas within the inshore waters along the coast of Alabama. Hard bottom substrate in the form of limestone aggregate, repurposed concrete, oyster half-shells, or low-relief concrete modules provide hard surfaces and crevices that supports a diverse ecosystem. Bioengineers such as oysters, hook mussels, and barnacles further increase the complexity of the hard bottom substrate and, over time, transform it into a true reef. Mud crabs, snapping shrimps, and a host of small finfish such as blennies, gobies, and skilletfish utilize the reef habitat for foraging and shelter from predators. Several reefs along the west end of Dauphin Island, Pelican Bay, Weeks Bay, and Perdido Bay have been constructed through partnerships with the Fish and Wildlife Service’s Sport Fish Restoration program, Coastal Conservation Association of Alabama, and the Alabama Wildlife Federation. Without these partnerships, Alabama’s inshore anglers would not have the fishing opportunities available today. The Marine Resources Division remains committed to creating and enhancing habitat to support important marine fish populations and will continue to foster relationships with organizations and individuals to advance projects that will add to the 34 inshore reefs previously constructed to date.
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Click on the interactive map below to learn more about inshore reef structures.
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