Local anglers, scientists push to revive Jacksonville artificial reef program with $60,000 FWC grant application

At a Jacksonville Waterways Commission, River Shoaling and Artificial Reef Task Force meeting, reef advocates and city staff outlined plans to apply for a $60,000 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) grant to restart Jacksonville’s public artificial reef work and to solicit matching and regional support.

Supporters said Jacksonville led East Coast reef work until about 2009 but the program stalled when city attention and funding waned. They told the task force a combination of existing approved offshore permits, local fishing clubs and tackle shops, and technical expertise from experienced reef coordinators provide a platform for a modest, immediate project and for rebuilding a broader program.

Speakers identified a near-term grant opportunity. The group intends to compete for the maximum FWC award described at the meeting ($60,000) to fund reef renourishment and logistics, using a previously permitted reef…