An official website of the State of Georgia.
Artificial Reefs
Georgia's inshore and offshore reefs provide habitat for recreationally, commercially and ecologically important finfish and other animals. These reefs enhance and support local and regional fisheries management efforts, increasing the accessibility of great locations to catch fish and SCUBA dive.
Marine Habitat Restoration
Restoration of oysters along southeastern coasts is important for economic and ecological reasons. Oysters enhance water quality. Their reefs protect shorelines by buffering wave action adjacent to marshes, and they are harvested and marketed by commercial fishermen.
Oyster reef restoration has been hampered in the region by the limited availability of oyster shells. In addition, vertical relief is necessary for successful reef formation to avoid sedimentation for soft and churning bottoms.
