June 19, 2015
Two 50-foot deck barges have been slated for deployment on July 21, 2015 on the Barnegat Light Reef site located 3.1 nautical miles east of Barnegat Inlet as part of the division's Artificial Reef Program. The vessels were donated to the Reef Program by Kevin Coleman and were previously used for constructing marine bulkheads.
Once the vessels are sunk they will soon become a home for 150 species of fish and marine life, a fishing ground for anglers and an underwater attraction for scuba divers. The vessels will continue to serve the fishing industry for at least another 70 years.
The two deck barges will be sunk at the following locations within the Barnegat Light Reef:
1) 39 45.350' 74 01.600'
2) 39 45.500' 74 01.650'
Commercial fishers who have gear in this area during the time of deployment must move it or risk having it destroyed.
The target date for deployment of July 21 is subject to weather and sea conditions. For further information regarding the deployment of the vessel contact Hugh Carberry at 609-748-2022.
For information on past and planned deployments see the Artificial Reef Deployments page.