An example of how a small group of anglers can make a big difference took place in Charlotte County in 1998 when a few members of the Punta Gorda Fishing Club got together and formed the Charlotte Harbor Reef Association.
The group raised some funds and received a $15,000 grant from the FWC. Their plan was to use molded concrete balls to rejuvenate the Charlotte Harbor Reef and enhance the bottom habitat along piers and around private docks in Charlotte Harbor. "We wanted to use materials that would provide quality habitat, stability and longevity," said Jerry Jensen, president of the association.
They further decided to manufacture their own reef balls, "a decision that saved about $27,000," said Jensen. They rented six molds from Reef Innovations, Inc. and received a "mini-grant" for the use of seven more from the Reef Ball Foundation. With a little training and generous support from Krehling Concrete, a Naples company that provided space at a local batch plant, they were ready to go.
"About 40 volunteers worked one day a week for five hours," explained Jensen. Crews of about six people poured molds on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and stripped the molds on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. During a four-month period they made 462 reef balls, many weighing as much as 1,500 pounds apiece. A total of 210 reef balls were placed on the Charlotte Harbor Reef which was originally established in 1980 from bridge debris and was badly in need of enhancement. "Today," said Jensen, "50 to 70 boats stop there to fish every weekend."
The rest of the reef balls were placed under private docks, and along local fishing piers.
"This was the first time reef balls had been approved for fishing piers and private docks," said Jensen. "It took a lot of paperwork but we got it done."
Since that groundbreaking project similar efforts have gotten underway in Tampa Bay where in one case a homeowners' association is working with members of Coastal Conservation Association Florida to use reef balls to enhance the habitat along seawalls and around private docks.
Jensen, who has recently been appointed to the FWC's artificial reef advisory board, adds that the Charlotte Harbor Reef Association is also encouraging fishing participation by initiating a fishing course for seventh-graders in the four middle schools in Charlotte County. The class sessions, which cover all aspects of fishing from marine conservation to safely releasing fish, are taught by local fishing captains.
Saturday marked the beginning of Phase 1 for the Charlotte Harbor Reef Association's plan to install 81 concrete reef balls under various docks in the Punta Gorda Isles area.
According to association president Jerry Jensen the group placed two balls at each of three locations. "This is a five-month test to study reactions of both plant life and fish to the structures," he said. Each reef ball is manufactured with a sugar solution in the concrete and is then hand rubbed with a chum paste to attract fish.
If all goes as planned, 75 more reef balls will be deployed this fall. During the next 18 months the group plans to place 475 reef balls at sites that will include Gilchrist and Laishley piers. Two hundred and sixteen reef balls will be added to the harbor's existing reef site.
Shown on the cover: Reef Association contractors Ben Whiteaker, in the water, and Carl Clark assist home owner Fred Counter with the placement of a reef ball under his dock.
