Fish Fry Fundraiser to Benefit St. Lucie County’s Artificial Reef Program July 31

Fish Fry Fundraiser to Benefit St. Lucie County’s Artificial Reef Program July 31

NORTH HUTCHINSON ISLAND – Several groups will be holding a fish fry fundraiser at the Little Jim Bait and Tackle, located at 601 N Causeway, on Saturday, July 31 starting at 1 p.m. to raise money for St. Lucie County’s Artificial Reef Program. The county has acquired a 90-foot tug boat that is being cleaned and prepared to become an artificial reef off St. Lucie County’s coast this summer.

McCulley Marine Services, Summerlin’s Marine Construction and Marine Cleanup Initiative, Inc. are organizing this and other fundraisers to help cover the cost to clean and deploy this retired vessel, which was donated to St. Lucie County. Once funds have been raised and the tug has been cleaned, it will be deployed in roughly 150-160 feet of water near the Fort Pierce Sportfishing Club reef later this summer. For more details about the July 31 event and other fundraising efforts for this project visit www.facebook.com/followtugsingleton.

Since its reinstatement in 2005, St. Lucie County’s Artificial Reef Program has spared more than 20,000 tons of clean concrete and steel from the landfill, while at the same time creating nearly 50 underwater habitats for marine life, fishermen and divers to enjoy. Reports from divers indicate that the reefs are providing habitat for more than 100 species of fish, including adult snapper and grouper, snook, sharks and other fish, as well as baitfish and juvenile fish.

A study by the University of Florida shows that artificial reefs attract more than just marine life. After examining six southwest Florida counties’ artificial reef programs, researchers were able to show that the reefs reeled in more than $253 million into the region during a 12-month timeframe. While it only costs a saltwater fishing license to use the submerged structures as a fishing spot, anglers spend money on food, lodging, fuel, tackle and other necessities. Researchers found that $136 million came from residents, while $117 million was spent by visitors.

For more information about St. Lucie County’s artificial reef program visit: www.stlucieco.gov/reefs or contact St. Lucie County Coastal Resources Coordinator Jim Oppenborn at 772-462-1713 or oppenbornj@stlucieco.org.