Lee County wants to build an artificial reef in Gulf of Mexico

Lee County is looking to build another artificial reef in the Gulf of Mexico, which is exciting news for fishermen such as Joe Angius. 

“It’s huge,” Angius said. “It plays a big impact not only in our pockets but just our way of life living.” 

Lee County is expected to accept a $120,000 grant from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission on Tuesday to help pay for construction.

“It’s really encouraging,” Angius said. “It’s rewarding, and it lets us know that there’s people out there trying to do good for us for the fisherman and for the tourism industry that’s here.” 

Dr. Mike Parsons, a professor of marine science at FGCU, said artificial reefs are a good way of combating the lasting effects of red tide.  

“It will help increase their survivability, so it should mean more fish in the long run,” Parsons said.

Submit