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.
Offshore Artificial Reefs
Georgia's continental shelf is mostly sandy, lacking natural reef habitats for gamefish. Offshore artificial reefs, located 2-70 nautical miles offshore, support fisheries targeting species like tunas, wahoo, and dolphin.
Inshore Artificial Reefs
Georgia's 15 inshore artificial reefs enhance fisheries in estuaries lacking habitat, support a growing inshore fishery, and promote oyster recruitment and shoreline stabilization in intertidal zones.
Oyster Reef Restoration & Enhancement
Oyster restoration benefits water quality, shoreline protection, and fisheries. Challenges include limited shell availability and the need for vertical relief to prevent sedimentation on soft, dynamic seabeds.
Data Downloads
Find downloadable files, including inshore and offshore artificial reef guides, geographic information systems files, and project historical summaries.
Watch this video to learn more about Georgia's artificial reefs:
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