Martin County hosts describe artificial reef program and recent vessel sinking
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Summary
Podcast hosts outlined Martin County’s artificial reef program — more than 160 reef sites along the Treasure Coast — and described a recently sunk 277-foot vessel that will become the Boo Macaulay Artificial Reef; coordinates and program history will be posted in show notes.
Martin County’s county communications podcast devoted a large segment to the county’s artificial reef program, describing how recycled materials and retired vessels are placed offshore to create marine habitat and fishing sites.
“ We have over a 160 artificial reefs on the Treasure Coast,” Mac said on the recording. The hosts described the program’s use of cleaned concrete from local demolition and the county’s practice of placing decommissioned vessels as reef structures.
Courtney said the vessel they observed was about 277 feet long and that it took some time to sink; the hosts said the site will be named the Boo Macaulay Artificial Reef in tribute to a long-time reef volunteer. The hosts noted major ecological activity begins within weeks to months — algae growth and fish colonization — and said one site they discussed is about 180 feet deep, a depth that requires technical diving.
Hosts told listeners that coordinates and further background (the program dates to the 1970s) will be included in the episode show notes and urged people to consult official county materials for navigation and safety information.