The Artificial Reef Program is administered by the Environmental Protection Commission of Hillsborough County and was started October 23, 1986. The goal of the Artificial Reef Program is to increase habitat diversity by providing hard-bottom substrates and communities which might not otherwise be available in Tampa Bay. The reefs also provide additional fishing opportunities for the sport fishing public in the bay area.

What’s The Catch?

The staff of the Artificial Reef Program frequently speaks to fishing clubs, schools and many other civic groups in the Tampa Bay area. Almost always, these people are pleasantly surprised to find out that the reefs don’t cost them a single tax dollar. In fact, we have never purchased a single piece of reef material!

The Artificial Reef Program is funded by the Environmental Protection Commission’s Pollution Recovery Trust Fund. This fund was established to specifically address environmental cleanup and restoration in Hillsborough County.

Additional funds have been provided by the Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Program and by saltwater fishing license funds administered by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Division of Marine Fisheries.

The program also relies on generous donations of materials, as well as construction and transportation services, from local marine construction contractors.  For more information on the Artificial Reef Program call (813) 627-2600 or E-mail us at reefs@epchc.org.
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