There are probably more artificial reefs around Florida than any other place in the world. These reefs have been partly responsible for the upturn in inshore fishing particularly for species like mullet and snook.

PINELLAS COUNTY which is on the GULF COAST OF FLORIDA has been been developing it's artificial reef program over several years. Recently it has been enhancing it's coastal program that is sensitive to the environment yet it is inviting for recreational purposes.

A program of constructing near shore artificial reefs was developed. These reefs are designed to replace hard bottom habitats that have been impacted by beach restoration projects. To date 21 near shore reefs have been completed with 29 near shore reefs being the final target.

Pinellas County operates 10 artificial reef sites, from three to 21 miles offshore in the Gulf of Mexico. These reefs are individually designed with different sized openings for differing sized fish. The openings are especially effective in attracting bottom species like grouper, snapper and grunt; the height of the structures attracts pelagics like mackerel, amber jack, cobia, barracuda and baitfish. The reefs have a base diameter of up to 100 feet and can reach up to half the water depth.

These reefs are constructed with concrete pilings and culverts which have been obtained from old constructions sites such as buildings and bridges etc.

In some of the later artificial reef constructions disused army M16 tanks and old Barges have also been deployed for greater reef effect.

The counties vessel called "TORTUGA" which is a type of large landing craft was the primary tool used to construct these reefs.

The first  organisms to attach themselves to a new reef normally are barnacles and algae. Many small fish then appear to browse on the algae growth, and sea urchins feed extensively on this plant material. After a year reef growth, several types of tunicates appear. After six to nine months, the reef begins to support coral growth.

ST. PETE BEACH REEF Center Buoy N34.40.36 W82.51.45  34 to 36' Depth 34 to 36 feet.

This reef consists of a large part of the Corey Causeway which was placed here in 1976 as the foundation for further construction.

In 1995 the US Army sank 10 surplus tanks, which are located in 100 ft west of the center buoy. Also sunk on the site is a 200 ft barge which was lowered down in 1984 and is sunk 50 feet east of the center buoy.

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Treasure Island reef was the first to receive high profile pyramid structure. These pyramid structures can be found 1000 feet south of the Center Buoy. From that spot to an area 200 feet north is a structure of pilings known as the wall.

Large schools of baitfish are attracted to these structures.

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MADEIRA BEACH REEF N27.46.18 W82.54.54  Depth 30 to 33 feet.

The Madeira Beach reef is a particular low lying structure of 1 to 2 feet. This reef is earmarked for future development.

INDIAN SHORES REEF Center Buoy N27.51.24 W83.01.48 Depth 44 to 46 feet.

 Indian Shores reef is marked by two World War 11 Navy Landing ships and a salt hopper barge.

The two 200 foot LSM's where filled with scrap metal and sunk by a US Navy Ordinance team. One LSM can be found 100 feet east of he south buoy, while the other LSM is located  100 feet west of the center buoy.

A more recent addition in 1984 is a 240 foot salt hopper barge. It can be found in an inverted position 200 foot west of the north buoy.

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RUBE ALLYN REEF Center Buoy N27.55.56 W83.01.24 Depth 50 feet.

This reef is the home for a large steel barge, a prefabricated unit and numerous high profile pyramid structures.

To find the "twin towers" start from the south buoy and head due north for 200 feet. Several other pyramids can be found due east of the north buoy. The peaks of the pyramids are 18 to 20 feet high.

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CLEARWATER BEACH REEF Center of Reef N28.00.57 W82.53.42 Depth 27 to 29 feet.

Clearwater reef is marked with one buoy in the center of the reef. It is the oldest reef in the county being established in the early sixties.

Extensive construction of high profile reefs has taken place in the last two years. There is a small barge in the center of the reef.

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High profile structures can be found 1000 feet north of the buoy. Pyramids can also be found 1000 feet south of the buoy.

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Tarpon Springs reef consists of a large living reef.

Construction over the years has been limited so as not to impact on this large living reef which is the home of many Sea Bass, Grunts and Snappers.

Artificial reef material can be found in the vicinity of the south buoy.

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This reef consists of two 180 foot steel vessels. Considered as one of Florida's best dive sites.

The most recent addition to this site is that of the tug "SHERIDAN" which lies in 80 feet of water.

Common species that the diver can expect to encounter at this site are groupers, snappers, amberjack, crevalle jack, spanish mackerel, triggerfish, barracuda, and the occasional shark.

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 Electric Blue Fishing Inc. would like to thank Pinellas County Utilities for the information and pictures used to produce this page.