| Our Artificial Reef Program began in the early 1990's when Flagler County Commissioner George Hanns realized the county was one of the few coastal counties not participating in the State's Artificial Reef Program. With the encouragement of the Board of County Commissioners, Commissioner Hanns met with Joe Halusky, Florida Sea Grant Extension agent for Flagler County, and Jim Netherton, President of the St. Johns County Reef Research Team. That meeting resulted in the formation of the Flagler County Artificial Reef Program.
Since that time, the Flagler County Board of County Commissioners has increased its effort and involvement towards the construction of artificial reefs along the coast of Flagler County. The commission understands the economic, recreational, and ecological benefits of artificial reef construction and is committed to further construction of new marine habitat.
Eight artificial reefs have been deployed with the remains of concrete culverts, reef balls, bridge pilings and materials, and junction boxes. Funding for these projects has been provided by the United States Fish & Wildlife Services' Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration, Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, Flagler County Tourist Development Council, and the Flagler County Sport Fishing Club. |
