Tropical reefs are known for their enormous biodiversity and good sea fishing spots. If there are no natural reefs in a region, a little help can be given. The state of Florida has made a great contribution to nature with the creation of artificial reefs since the 1940s and has created many great fishing spots along the way.
Florida – An angler’s paradise
Florida is consistently considered a very good fishing area and offers the opportunity to fish for many exciting species of fish, such as tarpon, snook, snapper, king mackerel and sailfish. The good fish stocks off Florida’s coasts probably also have something to do with the large number of artificial reefs – more than 3,800!
Artificial reefs are structures intentionally placed on the ocean floor. Large boulders, concrete blocks, metal parts and specially prepared shipwrecks are used. This creates a variety of retreat areas for fish on otherwise structurally poor seabeds and thus enhances the habitat.
Florida has already invested over $26 million in artificial reefs. Best of all, these reefs are also accessible to anglers. A website has now even been launched, similar to the interactive fishing map for Hamburg. Florida’s interactive map, provided by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, details where the reefs are located.
In addition, important information is given to the angler, such as the depth and condition of the reef. Because off Florida’s coasts there are various types of artificial reefs: shipwrecks, concrete debris, bridge parts and more. Fishing is very important in the USA and the artificial reefs not only have a good impact on nature, but also offer anglers excellent places to fish.
Artificial reefs in the Baltic Sea – but fishing is prohibited here
In Germany there are also artificial reefs, although not nearly as large as in Florida. For example, the artificial reef “Nienhagen” was built in the Baltic Sea. Around 1,400 concrete elements and 2,500 tons of natural stone were installed here on an area of 50,000 square meters. The reef is eleven to twelve meters deep and would certainly be an ideal fishing spot. However, the reef is in a fisheries sanctuary and is for research purposes only.
After the construction of another reef, however, no more were added. The reason: bureaucratic hurdles. Artificial reefs may only be built if previously existing structures would be destroyed at the site. Conditions like in Florida should therefore not be expected in Germany in the near future. Although artificial reefs are likely to have a positive impact on the badly hit cod stocks in the Baltic Sea.
Those: SportFishingMagazine, Ostsee-Zeitung
