OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. — To help create artificial reefs for marine life off Florida's Gulf coast, environmental officials sank a boat Tuesday in Okaloosa County.
This may sound odd, but it's a relatively new technique that will allow the vessel to join hundreds of other artificial reefs already in place off the shores of northwest Florida, officials said in a news release. This will also help many marine species use the boat as a safe haven while also providing the fishing and diving industry with another resource.
“This collaborative effort is an example of excellence in Northwest Florida and a guide for future successes,” Okaloosa County Board Chairman Paul Mixon said in a statement. “We look forward to many more opportunities that will allow our tourism industry to thrive, while also creating a sustainable aquatic ecosystem benefitting marine life, tourists and locals.”
The boat sits about 100 feet on the Gulf floor, making it a good platform for an advanced dive experience, officials said. The 65-foot-tall vessel also provides a good fishing location and habitat for species like the amberjack while attracting groupers and snappers.
"While fishing has always been at the heart of our region’s history, creating sites that increase scuba diving opportunities is something we look forward to continue to develop," Coastal Resource Manager for Destin-Fort Walton Beach Alex Fogg said in a statement. "Collaborating with neighboring counties and communities on a large artificial reef project like this not only creates essential habitat off our coast but certainly moves the needle on establishing our area as a leader in adventure tourism."
Officials say they hope the new artificial reef will draw in visitors beyond Florida.
The Tourist Development Councils in Destin-Fort Walton Beach, Panama City Beach and Walton County helped accomplish placing the boat in water.