For those who dive, the wait is over for the county’s most recent expansion of its artificial reef program. Okaloosa County Tourist Development Department (TDD) Destin-Fort Walton Beach Tourism expanded fishing and diving opportunities with the deployment of a decommissioned tugboat— MISS JOANN). The 64-foot vessel is an addition to nearly 400 artificial reef sites offshore Okaloosa County.
Morgan Marine deployed MISS JOANN with oversight from the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Coastal Resource team on March 2. “We are fortunate to have a Coastal Resource Team dedicated to the continued growth of the artificial reef program,” said Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners Chairman Mel Ponder. “Fishing and diving are important coastal activities to our county and reefs like this offer such a unique underwater experience for divers and snorkelers, not to mention an excellent opportunity for anglers.”
In 2021, Morgan Marine was notified by the U.S. Coast Guard that its tugboat would require significant retrofits to bring it into compliance. Rather than invest significant funds in an older vessel, Morgan Marine donated the vessel to Okaloosa County to deploy as an artificial reef. Okaloosa County funded the remaining preparations and costs associated with the deployment. “Artificial reefs are essential to our community that depends heavily on fishing and diving as a recreational activity and tourism product. We lack the offshore natural reef habitat; therefore, artificial reefs are even more important here. The MISS JOANN will be a great addition to our artificial reef program and we hope it will be visited by divers and fisherman for years to come,” said Alex Fogg, Coastal Resource Manager, Destin-Fort Walton Beach.
MISS JOANN will accompany two previously deployed vessels, the DYLAN (61 ft.) and the BRANNON (65 ft.). Due to the smaller sizes of these existing artificial reefs, the MISS JOANN was deployed in close proximity to the existing vessels in 119 feet of water, but with 40 feet of relief, will provide a shallower option to the site if visitors don’t wish to dive the deeper wrecks. The additional relief also provides habitat that supports prized fish species such as Amberjack and Cobia. The vessels are secured to each other for increased stability and to provide additional complexity to the site that has been named the “Boat Yard.”
MISS JOANN was deployed 16.43nm SE of Destin Pass in the Okaloosa County Large Area Artificial Reef Site A (LAARS A).
For those who don’t know, artificial reefs are man-made structures built to promote marine life and, in some cases, improve surfing. The reef structures are designed to provide a sustainable food source for many species along with shelter and protection. Destin is home to many man-made reefs, most located near public beaches anywhere from 200 to 300 yards off the shore to make it easier for guests to visit. A GPS device is also helpful when finding reefs.
Artificial Reefs are a popular snorkel destination, but it’s also common to see people bring paddleboards and kayaks out to our local reefs and enjoy the wildlife scenery such as turtles, stingrays and more. While they are free to visit, remember you are accessing them at your own risk. Always remember to heed the tides and the local beach flag system for safety.
Coordinates for all Okaloosa County artificial reefs can be found by visiting destinfwb.com. For more information on Destin-Fort Walton Beach or the Artificial Reef Program, contact Stacey Young, Community & Media Relations Strategist at (850) 606-5389 or SLYoung@MyOkaloosa.com, or Alex Fogg, Coastal Resource Manager at (850) 609-5394 or afogg@myokaloosa.com.
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