BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — The Space Coast will soon have a new artificial reef thanks to a donation of 100 concrete poles from the Orlando Utilities Commission.
OUC is donating the pole sections as part of the 2025 Brevard County Artificial Reef Project.
Each pole comes in at roughly 5,000-8,000 pounds, and weigh a combined total of around 500 tons.
Officials say the new reef site is 15 miles offshore in 85 feet of water.
It will join nine other artificial reefs put in over the last decade.
Officials say benefits of the project include creating a shelter for marine life, more fishing and diving locations and a boost for coastal businesses.
According to Florida Sea Grant, the reefs generate nearly 40,000 jobs and more than $4 billion in economic impact for Florida.
Ben Scott used to live and fish in the Florida Keys where there are some 60 artificial reefs — which includes the retired Navy ship Vandenberg, which was sunk in 2009 to become the second largest reef in the world.
“I think reefs are a great thing,” Scott said. “When you don’t have reefs, you have predator fish, you have reef fish that are out in other areas and it throws the balance and abundance of the ocean off,”
OUC is partnering with the Coastal Conservation Association, Central Florida Offshore Anglers, Florida Sport Fishing Association and FWC on the new reef project.