Southern California’s underwater world of artificial reefs

3 Responses

1. A few questions: 1/ Is there opposition to artificial reefs, and if so from who and on what basis? 2/ Most of the statistics provided are “raw” without any basis for comparison or even meaningful commentary, although the Paradise Cove numbers sound like they took a huge dive, is there any known reason? 3/ Have the reefs presented any problems for vessels of any size, small, large, or huge?

   1. Hey Brian, thanks for the feedback! We are doing a two or three-part series on artificial reefs. I will certainly get some perspective on those questions in the next article in the series. Always appreciate feedback!

2. I have dived many of the artificial reefs in southern California. Most have deteriorated or sunk into the sand and don’t have the habitat nor amount of life as nearby natural reefs. One exception is the Hermosa Artificial Reef. Although there isn’t much marine life on the reef itself, it has become a cleaning station for Giant Sea Bass. There are several GSBs that reside here year round. They hover under the overhangs created by concrete pier pilings to be cleaned by senoritas, sheepshead, and small calicos.
   Can you tell me when the pilings were added to the reef?