05 Oct Artificial Reefs Long Island: An Interactive Map
This past summer Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo approved the largest expansion of artificial reef creations in New York State’s history. The program primary goal is to promote biodiversity strengthening the coasts of Long Island. The Department of Transportation donated over 900 tons of recycled material from the Tappan Zee Bridge alone. Because of projects like this, Long Island now has 12 artificial reefs around its coast!
As the material hits the seafloor the surrounding life begins to take notice. The structures are designed with open passages that allow for easy access to marine life. Local sealife including blackfish, black sea bass, scup, fluke, hake, and cod move in and make a home in the new structure. This creates a healthy thriving environment for local divers to safely learn the wonderful world of wreck diving. What a great opportunity to see Neptune’s finest up close. Not only will lobsters and crabs take up residence within, but other organisms like barnacles, sponges, anemones, corals, and mussels will encrust themselves on the exterior. In the long run, the growth of biodiversity may make it hard to even tell if this was a man-made project.
Long Island is thriving when it comes to diving clubs and associations. An example of this is the Long Island Divers Association. LIDA is a not-for-profit regional organization dedicated to the promotion of local diving, and the representation of the diver’s interests throughout the diving and general community.
Long Island beaches are a national treasure, world-renowned for their fine white sand, spectacular waves, miles of boardwalks, beach trails, restaurants, picnic areas, and beautiful sunrises and sunsets.
– Department of Environmental Conservation
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