06/24/2026
🌊🐟 A BIG DAY FOR JACKSONVILLE’S OFFSHORE WATERS 🐟🌊
Tomorrow, the Jacksonville Waterways Commission will deploy Northeast Florida’s newest major artificial reef approximately 18 miles offshore at Harm’s Ledge, marking the first significant reef deployment for the City of Jacksonville in many years.
This reef, constructed from massive donated concrete culvert structures, will create essential marine habitat, providing refuge, feeding opportunities, and spawning areas for countless species of fish and marine life for generations to come.
Artificial reefs do far more than improve fishing. They enhance marine ecosystems, support diving opportunities, strengthen offshore tourism, and generate economic benefits for charter operators, marinas, tackle shops, restaurants, hotels, and other local businesses throughout Northeast Florida.
This project is the result of an incredible team effort, and we would like to recognize the many partners who made it possible:
✅ City of Jacksonville Waterways Commission
✅ Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), including Keith Milley and the Artificial Reef Program
✅ U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
✅ Reef Manager Joe Kistel for overseeing planning and ex*****on
✅ Mobro Marine for providing the marine construction services, barge, and equipment necessary for deployment
✅ Jacksonville Offshore Sport Fishing Club, along with Darrin Willingham and Paul Malone, for their leadership and commitment to future reef development
✅ Jax Utilities, Rinker Materials, and Phillips Heavy Civil Construction Company for generously donating reef materials that significantly expanded the project’s impact at no additional cost to taxpayers
A special acknowledgment goes to the Jacksonville Waterways Commission, whose dedication and persistence helped bring this project from concept to reality. Their vision has helped put Jacksonville back in the reef-building business!
As Commissioner Marc Hardesty noted:
“This project demonstrates what can be accomplished when government agencies, private industry, and community partners work together to improve our marine environment and expand recreational opportunities. The benefits of this reef will be felt for decades by anglers, divers, marine businesses, and future generations who enjoy Northeast Florida’s offshore waters.”
Most importantly, this reef is not intended to be a one-time project. It represents the beginning of a renewed commitment to creating a rolling reef program that will continue expanding offshore habitat and recreational opportunities throughout our region.
📍 Reef Coordinates:
30° 22.109’ N
80° 54.028’ W
Boaters, anglers, and divers are encouraged to visit the new reef site and experience one of Northeast Florida’s newest offshore destinations as it develops into a productive marine ecosystem.
We’ll be front and center for the deployment. Keep an eye out for pics 📷
Congratulations and thank you to everyone involved in making this happen! ⚓
