The State of Alabama, long recognized as an innovative leader in artificial marine habitat creation, recently designated eight new reef zones off its shores that will greatly expand reef habitat for iconic sport fish as well as access for recreational anglers. Located in state waters between six and nine miles offshore, the new zones add more than 30 square miles of reef zone and were named for three renowned Alabama marine scientists and several conservation groups, including CCA Alabama.

From left – Scott Bannon, Director, Alabama Marine Resources Division; Matt Grant, CCA Alabama Chairman; Blakeley Ellis, Executive Director, CCA Alabama, and Chris Blankenship, Commissioner, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

“You just have to tip your hat to the state of Alabama and the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for the commitment they have made to enhancing marine resources right off our shores,” said Blakeley Ellis, executive director of CCA Alabama. “Thanks to their work, our waters are the envy of the Gulf Coast, and we are proud to be a partner with the state to increase access and opportunity for everyone. We share the dedication of our state fisheries managers serving the citizens of Alabama and can’t wait to begin building out the CCA Alabama Artificial Reef Zone.”

Three of the reef zones that were dedicated in a ceremony earlier this month were named after marine scientists who have pioneered research into various stages in the life cycle of red snapper and the critical role that artificial reefs can play in increasing populations of this iconic sport fish. Dr. Bob Shipp and Dr. Sean Powers with the University of South Alabama and the Dauphin Island Sea Lab, and Stephen Szedlmayer with Auburn have all worked to increase understanding and access to red snapper, which under federal management has been one of the most controversial and troubled fisheries in the country for decades.

“We have always contended that management of wildlife resources works best when it is driven by local authorities who are far more capable of providing both proper conservation and the greatest access for their citizens,” said Ellis. “It was important to us to have the reef zones in state waters where local managers appreciate and maximize the value of artificial reefing.”

CCA Alabama has assisted in funding scientific research programs in Alabama such as tarpon tagging and red drum and flounder stock enhancements, and also assisted in the management of the Materials of Opportunity Program, which collects suitable recycled construction materials and deploys them as artificial reefs rather than disposing of them in landfills. Overall, CCA Alabama has provided more than $500,000 in support of the Alabama Artificial Reef Program.