The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries will hold a public meeting on a proposed new artificial reef near Oregon Inlet. The meeting is set for 6 p.m. June 16 in Room 168 of the Dare County Administrative Building, 954 Marshall C. Collins Drive, Manteo.
Staff with the division’s Artificial Reef Program will receive comment on the proposed siting of the reef at 35° 41.672’N/ 75° 26.313’W, which is approximately 8 nautical miles south-southeast of Oregon Inlet. At this site, the reef would be situated in 67 to 72 feet of water.
The proposed reef boundary will be a circle with a 1,500-foot radius and an area of approximately 162 acres, which is consistent with most other reefs in the state’s artificial reef network.
The proposed site selection was made based on public recommendation, surveys from side-scan sonar (a device that detects objects on the sea floor), sediment composition, optimal water column depth, proximity to the inlet, distance from shore and trawl hang data (records of places that commercial trawl fishermen typically avoid because their nets snag the bottom).
Depending on available funds and public approval, enhancements at this new site may be slated for late summer 2017.
For more information, contact Jason Peters with the division’s Artificial Reef Program at 252-808-8063 or Jason.Peters@ncdenr.gov.