Artificial Reef Program A Win for Our Ecosystem, a Win for Our Economy!
A Boom for Economic Development Deploy 36 artificial reefs off the Coast of Naples/Marco/Collier County. Pay for the reefs with a mix of grant monies and private donor funds- no taxpayer funds Increase fish population. Create a destination recreation environment. Secured 1.35 million in BP Funds for tourism and seafood promotion.
The History Artificial reefs are not a new coastal management tool. 1940s: Japanese began sinking ships to attract fish. 1950s: Attempts to build reefs in FL and CA to determine increases in fish population is SUCCESSFUL! Early reefs provided trial and error and now we can benefit from best practices for deployment. Source: Dr. Heyward Matthews
The current Coastline Our sandy bottom offers little food or habitat for most species. Existing reefs have poor water clarity, are overharvested, and in poor condition. Current reef locations are close to shore; depths and locations for fishing and diving are not optimal. Source: Dr. Heyward Matthews
The Eco-Conclusion Biologists accept that these man-made reefs can actually support a larger total fish population than a natural reef. The fact that the fish find suitable habitat on the coral reef is coincidental. Artificial reefs when properly sited and constructed, will actually increase the total food production of the water column for hundreds if not thousands of years. Source: Dr. Heyward Matthews
The Eco-Conclusion Within two hours, life begins to form around artificial reef structures. Within two years a reef is fully mature Within the first year of deployment of the U.S. Mohawk, SW Florida is seeing marine species it hasn t seen in decades. Source: Dr. Heyward Matthews
The Economics 2011 study by Florida Sea Grant and University of Florida researchers looked at (6) six Southwest Florida counties determining the following: Users of artificial reefs generated 2,600 jobs and spent $253 million in the region annually. In Lee County alone: 1,350 people use artificial reefs daily bringing in 575 jobs and $60 million per year.
The Economics Artificial Reefs attract high-dollar fishing tournaments promoted outside of the area. Conservative estimates, utilizing the University of Florida Sea Grant formula, indicates a $30+ million dollar return on investment. Source: ERTF Artificial Reef Program Business Plan June, 2012
The Economics Recreational fishing is big business, generating more than $115 billion in economic output and more than 828,000 jobs. If sportfishing were a corporation, it would rank 51 on the Fortune 500 list. The economic contributions of recreational fishing have grown steadily over the last several decades. Source: American Sportfishing Association
Secrets To Success Planning World Class Master Plan for 36 Artificial Reefs: six clusters of five reefs and one conservation reef. Dr. Heyward Matthews; international expert Community Support Local business leaders Elected officials Fishing and diving community
Implementation Secrets To Success Mapping of 36 artificial reefs- Master Plan Development of 36 reef permits Submission of 36 reef permits simultaneously by Naples/Marco/Collier County One coordinated Request For Proposal (RFP) for use by Naples/Marco/Collier County Reef materials collection by Collier County and private construction and demolition companies for use by Naples/Marco/Collier County Evaluating Project s Success/Compliance Monitoring Fishing and diving community
Master Plan- Artificial Reef Locations
Alliance with the Community Foundation There are thirty-six naming opportunities; $55,000. per reef There is a single Artificial Reef Fund with Community Foundation; a 501C3 The Artificial Reef Fund will accept donations of any amount. Proceeds from the Fund will be released to Naples/Marco/Collier County restricted fund to construct artificial reefs - subject to the terms and conditions of the Fund. Funds will be released when the Permit Holder presents a permit and requests the release of Fund proceeds to construct an artificial reef and (a) the reef is named consistent with the donor's request in the reef permit - exactly as the donor has requested, where 'naming rights' apply; (b) the location of the reef as selected by the donor from the Master Plan list is set forth expressly in the permit; (c) the governmental entity certifies that it is ready to commence the construction of the reefs consistent with the permit. The Fund does not contemplate 'naming rights' after the first 36 artificial reefs are constructed. If additional funds are raised over the amount required to construct the first 36 reefs, an endowment for the maintenance of the reefs will be established or the proceeds will be used to construct additional artificial reefs upon request by the Permit Holders. The additional reefs will promote conservation, recreational diving, or enhance sport-fishing off the coast of Collier County. Donations into the Fund can be made by any individual, trust, or legal entity of any kind consistent with the requirements of the Community Foundation of Collier County; Donors will consult with their own private tax advisors before making any gift or donation to the Fund.
World Class Artificial Reef Program For Our Economy 30+ million in incremental tourism dollars! For Our Ecosystem Creation of new and growing habitats! For a Destination to New Recreation Put SW Florida on map for new visitors/events!
The Win! Developed with Private Funds Tax Benefits Local businesses and private parties benefit from 501c3 donation platform. Legacy Rights For as many years as the NOAA/concrete exists, YOUR NAME WILL BE PRESERVED ON A REEF STRUCTURE!