May 27, 2021
MANASQUAN, NJ (MONMOUTH)–POINT PLESANT, NJ (OCEAN)–On May 19, 2021, Bureau of Marine Fisheries staff expanded the State’s artificial reef network with another deployment on Manasquan Inlet Reef, marking the sixth on that site since 2017.
The F/V CARTERS CREEK, formerly known as “Absecon”, is a 140′ decommissioned bunker boat. The vessel now rests in 75′ of water, with a vertical relief of 28′, at the following coordinates: 40* 05.010 x 073* 59.632. OR 40 05.010 -073 59.632
Sponsorship for this this project is provided by the Greater Point Pleasant Charter Boat Association and The Sportfishing Fund.
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 reefs are typically made up of concrete, steel, decommissioned ships and barges and provide habitat for a variety of marine life, fishing grounds for anglers and underwater structures for scuba divers to enjoy.
For more information, please visit the Artificial Reef Program page or contact NJ Reef Program Coordinator Peter Clarke at 609-748-2020.
Previous Deployments
Artificial Reef Locations
