According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, “Artificial Reefs are designed to create marine habitat. Natural or manmade objects are placed on the sea floor to sustain and enhance the spawning, feeding and growth of various fish species. By creating habitat and concentrating populations of different fishes, Tampa artificial reefs offer a mecca for both the recreational angler and sport divers.”

Hillsborough County’s Environmental Protection Administration’s Artificial Reef Program helps create these structures. According to their website, “Artificial reefs provide hard-bottom substrate to increase biological diversity and productivity, and enhance recreational fishing opportunities in Tampa Bay. They have deployed over 50,000 tons of material across eight reefs since 1986.”

Join us on Wednesday, March 21 to hear from Christopher Pratt – General Manager of Hillsborough County’s Water Management Division, who will discuss the county’s artificial reef program, specific to Tampa Bay and how these structures were laid on the ocean floor.

Pratt has been with the EPC  of Hillsborough County since 2010. He has a B.A. in Economics and a B.S. in Environmental Science and Policy from the University of South Florida, and a Master of Public Administration from Valdosta State University. His environmental monitoring experience includes ambient water quality, benthic, seagrass, and artificial reef monitoring. In his current position, Chris manages EPC’s Pollution Recovery Fund grant program. Prior to working at EPC Chris worked for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection monitoring groundwater and surface water bodies.

Adventure Outfitters holds free monthly get-togethers for like-minded people. Our mission is focused on local Florida diving including: safety, marine conservation and continuing dive education. If you have a suggestion or would like to be considered as a speaker for our events, please contact us at info@adventuretampa.com or call us at 813-832-6669.