BRUNSWICK, Ga. — A retired tugboat donated by the Amelia Island Marina in Fernandina Beach was sunk 8 nautical miles east of Cumberland Island in Georgia for use as an artificial reef on Wednesday.
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources Coastal Resources Division sank the 41-foot tugboat Brenda K. at Artificial Reef KBY, according to a news release.
The vessel was abandoned at the Amelia Island Marina years ago, said Paul Medddlers, CRD’s Habitat Enhancement and Restoration Unit lead.
“This latest reef deployment was a great inter-state partnership between our neighbors to the south and Georgia DNR,” Medders said.
“By donating this retired tug boat, Amelia Island Marina is keeping it out of a landfill and helping it become substrate for reef life like encrusting organisms, corals, and fish. We’re happy to take it off their hands and put it to good use for years to come.”
The Brenda K. was cleaned and inspected by the U.S. Coast Guard before being towed for sinking.
Artificial reefs attract a variety of marine life and fish, including groupers, snappers, and sea bass. This new reef will allow for additional habitats for fish and other marine life, and will also create new recreational opportunities for anglers and divers.
“The addition of this new artificial reef is a great example of how we are working to protect and enhance Georgia’s marine resources,” Medders added.
“Georgia’s gently sloping offshore underwater environment is generally sandy and doesn’t provide a lot of great habitat for fish. By creating artificial reefs and adding new materials periodically, CRD is ensuring there will be habitat for fish to spawn and thrive for generations to come.”
To learn more about CRD’s Habitat Enhancement and Restoration Unit, click here.
*The following video is from a previous newscast*