(Crisfield, MD) – On June 9th and 13th, 2023, Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) Maryland and its partners continued enhancing fish habitat in Chesapeake Bay by deploying more than 220 reef balls, 550 reef pyramids and 30 pieces of concrete pipe at the Janes Island artificial reef site in Tangier Sound. The permitted reef site is approximately 3.3 miles WSW of Crisfield and 0.9 miles south of the Janes Island Lighthouse.
The approximate center coordinate of this reef deployment is : 37 57′ 02.152″N, 75 54’57.276″W. or 37.950617, -75.915867
CCA’s “Living Reef Action Campaign” (LRAC) is CCA’s flagship habitat and education program that since 2015 has engaged thousands of students and community members across Maryland and Virginia in hands-on, environmental educational experiences. This volunteer driven initiative helps rebuild the Bay’s habitat while inspiring stewardship of our marine resources.
“We are honored to work with Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources, the Ocean City Reef Foundation, Kinsley Construction, Murtech Marine Construction, Idealease of Baltimore and education and community partners from throughout the region to build this important reef habitat,” said David Sikorski, executive director of CCA Maryland. “This Janes Island reef enhancement is yet another example of CCA Maryland’s commitment to rebuilding marine habitat in Chesapeake Bay and connecting communities to what is often out of sight beneath the waters of the Bay.”
The Maryland Artificial Reef Initiative (MARI) includes more than 60 private, state, and federal partners, and acts as a funding mechanism (using private and corporate donations) for reef development in Maryland waters. CCA Maryland serves as the fiscal agent, working directly with staff at Maryland DNR to coordinate reef deployments.
Additional reef balls and pyramids from previous deployments are located to the east towards the edge of the permitted area.
Waypoints can also be found via Navionics maps.
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