Jekyll Island Boat Ramp Site

As mitigation for creation of the Jekyll Island Boat Ramp, as area on the south side of the boat ramp was selected for fish habitat and oyster reef enhancement. It is hoped that the area between the oyster reefs and the marsh will fill in with sediment and marsh grass.

Strategy

Construct two types of artificial cultch: Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs), flat concrete-base with pin-cushion style PVC arms, and; cement-coated spat sticks allowing for vertical placement to encourage reef formation.

Utilizing volunteers to involve the community in restoration efforts, 1,700 spat sticks and 40 FADs were deployed within the 0.1 area site in parallel rows along a vegetative edge in an area adjacent to the boat ramp.

Results

Monitoring was conducted periodically since the project’s materials were deployed. The reef is currently stable and thriving, improving habitat and supporting larvae and many juvenile recreational fishing species.