Review of the Potential for Artificial Reefs Along Coastal Massachusetts

Within the past five years, artificial reefs were proposed in at least three locations within Massachusetts territorial waters. These proposals resulted in the construction of one reef in Nan- tucket Sound and the filing of a legislative bill to create another near the Elizabeth Islands. Construction of a tire reef in 30 feet of water in Nantucket Sound commenced in 1978. Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries personnel participated in the planning of the tire reef and in monitoring of macro-invertebrate and vertebrate colonization, reef stability, and recreational fishing use. Experience acquired from this effort provided the basis to evaluate other proposals: they are biological need, proper lo- cation, and construction methodology. Details on these criteria are presented as they relate to the present tire reef and the potential for more reefs along the coast of Massachusetts.