Destin-Fort Walton Beach begins massive artificial reef deployment using 1,500 tons of concrete
Destin, Florida – Three million pounds of concrete are heading to the Gulf off Destin-Fort Walton Beach, but the goal is much bigger than simply placing material on the seafloor. The massive deployment is part of a statewide effort to connect and strengthen Florida’s coastal habitats, one community at a time.
Destin-Fort Walton Beach’s Natural Resources Team and the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida have begun placing 1,500 tons of repurposed concrete culverts to form three new artificial reefs off the Okaloosa County coast. The work marks the second deployment under Florida’s Coastal Corridor initiative, following the first project off Naples on Sept. 2.
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The new reefs will be located about four to eight nautical miles from East Pass in water approximately 68 to 74 feet deep. Each site will receive roughly 500 tons of concrete arranged in concentrated formations designed to create durable, complex hard-bottom habitat.
“These collaborations are necessary to continue the statewide effort to improve habitat for marine life in the Gulf,” Okaloosa County Board Chairman Trey Goodwin said.
“We appreciate the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida for choosing Destin-Fort Walton Beach to add to our already vibrant artificial reef system.”
Artificial reefs can give reef-associated fish and other marine species additional places to feed, shelter, grow and reproduce. They can also expand opportunities for fishing and diving along the Destin-Fort Walton Beach coast. An interactive map of existing local artificial reefs is available through Destin-Fort Walton Beach.
The Coastal Corridor initiative, led by the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, is intended to strengthen connected habitats ranging from mangroves and seagrass beds to natural and artificial reefs along both Florida coasts.
“Thoughtfully planned artificial reefs can play an important role in conserving and enhancing marine habitat while supporting the long-term health of Florida’s fisheries,” FWC Executive Director Roger Young said.
Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida Executive Director Nick Wiley said the Destin-Fort Walton Beach deployment shows the larger concept beginning to take shape in state waters.
“Three million pounds of reef material makes this a big deployment, but what excites us most is what it represents,” Wiley said. “We are beginning to turn the Coastal Corridor from a statewide vision into real habitat in Florida waters.”
The current phase is expected to be completed in November 2026. More information about Florida’s Coastal Corridor is available online.
