June 12, 2020
Deployment Video
On June 9, 2020, the 65-foot tugboat VINIK HUNTRESS was deployed at the Sandy Hook Reef site (pdf). The sinking of the vessel is in memory of Hudson River Fishermen's Association past member Darren Cardinal. Sponsorship for this project is provided by the association and The Sportfishing Fund. The vessel now rests in 58 feet of water, with a vertical relief of 25 feet, at the following coordinates:
40*21541 x 073*56.006
Vessels and structures such as these, after being emptied of all machinery and fluids and thoroughly cleaned, are inspected by the U.S. Coast Guard and DEP before sinking. Due to the thickness and quality of steel used in their construction, staff expect the service life of this artificial reef to last over 75 years.
Artificial reef deployments become home to more than 150 marine organisms including black sea bass, tautog, summer flounder, lobsters, crabs, and mussels. They will surely also become prime destinations for SCUBA divers and anglers alike.
For more information, please visit the Artificial Reef Program page or contact NJ Reef Program Coordinator Peter Clarke at 609-748-2020.