Division makes big additions to two offshore artificial reefs

Officials with the N.C. Artificial Reef Program announced Wednesday that major enhancements had been completed this month at two offshore reefs.

The two artificial reefs, which are off Cape Hatteras and Ocracoke, are popular destinations for anglers and divers. Anglers can expect to catch triggerfish, black sea bass, and many other bottom fish on both reefs, officials said. Divers often report visibility upwards of 50 feet.

The reefs, AR-230 and AR-250, each received about 1,500 tons of recycled concrete pipe and boxes. That material is now on the seafloor, creating new habitat, and improving public fishing and diving opportunities off the Outer Banks, officials said.

AR-230 is about 6 miles from Hatteras Inlet in 70 feet of water. Material was deployed in a dense field around 35 degrees, 6.166’ minutes north, 75 degrees, 42.895 minutes west. 

AR-250 is about 10 miles from Ocracoke Inlet in 80 feet of water. Material was deployed in a dense field around 34 degrees, 56.841 minutes north, 75 degrees, 55.022 minutes west.

Materials for the reefs were sourced from across North Carolina as part of the yearlong project that included public comment, planning, permitting and stockpiling. The materials, donated by businesses and the N.C. Department of Transportation, were damaged and unusable for their intended purpose.  

The Artificial Reef Program is part of the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Marine Fisheries and maintains 43 ocean and 29 estuarine artificial reefs. Artificial reefs and the reef materials placed on them are strategically located and designed to maximize access by anglers and divers while also serving valuable biological and ecological roles, officials noted.