Artificial Reefs Overview

Taylor County's offshore marine environment draws diving and fishing enthusiasts from all over the Southeast. With over 50 miles of coastline, Taylor County is in a position to reap major recreational and economic benefits from a successful artificial reef program. And the time is now!

Volunteers are the heart of the Taylor County Artificial Reef Program and play a critical role in the administration of grants and permits, the planning and selection of suitable reef sites, the attainment and deployment of reef materials, and the monitoring of artificial reef productivity.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer with the Taylor County Artificial Reef Program, you are encouraged to contact Justin Sapp, Taylor County Marine Extension Agent at (850) 838-3508. For those with an interest in diving activities with the Taylor Reef Research Dive Team, please contact G.W. Pridgeon, Team Leader and find out more about the Dive Team.

The construction of artificial reefs is primarily volunteer-based and is a joint effort among government agencies, corporations, foundations, and individuals. Tax deductible donations of material, services, and transportation costs are very important. Donations to the Artificial Reef Program are always welcome and these donations will help to make Taylor County County a better place to live, work, and visit.

The goal of the Taylor County Artificial Reef Program for 2005-2006 is to re-permit and further develop 2 pre-existing artificial reefs: The Steinhatchee Reef and the Buckeye Reef.

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