Destin-Fort Walton Beach Wants to be Dive Capital of Florida

[Jim Tucker]

Okaloosa's plan to make Destin-Fort Walton Beach the dive capital of Florida, including reefs in Choctawhatchee Bay

Making Destin-Fort Walton Beach the dive capital of Florida and maintain its status as a premier fishing destination.

www.getthecoast.com

The Okaloosa County Tourism Department has put a heavy emphasis on water-based activities throughout Destin-Fort Walton Beach.

Now, the Tourist Development Department has outlined a 5-year plan to make Destin-Fort Walton Beach the dive capital of Florida, while maintaining its status as a premier fishing destination.



The plan to increase the role of artificial reefs in tourism

The plan to increase the role of artificial reefs in tourism includes an investment of $12 million in strategic artificial reef deployments over the next 5 years from a combination of TDD, State, and Federal funding.



Using a combination of Natural Resource Damage Assessment funds and RESTORE funding, $4 million would be used to deploy modular concrete artificial reefs within the County’s inshore, nearshore, and offshore permitted reef areas.

These reefs will be planned around existing resources to enhance aging (15 to 30-year-old) artificial reefs.
The TDD will continue to apply for $60K FWC grants, as well.
The Coastal Resource Team would also continue to receive and deploy donated materials in conjunction with these proposed artificial reef deployments.

Large vessel deployments

$8 million would be invested in the purchase, preparation, transportation, and deployment of large vessels as artificial reefs.

$2 million would be expended for the first year (FY 21-22).
$1.5 million per year for the next four years.



Implement an inshore (Choctawhatchee Bay) reef program.

Few reefs have been deployed in bays and estuaries throughout the state. Based on the plan from Okaloosa’s Coastal Resource Team, this will be the only active inshore reef program in the state.

“Not only will it provide a site that can be easily accessed on days with unfavorable sea conditions in the Gulf of Mexico or by members of the community who are unable to take their vessel offshore, but it will provide hard substrate for encrusting organisms like oysters which help clean the bay,” said Fogg.

This initiative involves permitting (currently underway) three areas and completing deployments at all three sites in five years.



Develop high resolution and highly visible imagery

The final part of the plan includes the development of high resolution and highly visible imagery and information about the reefs.

This could include:

Additional 3-D renderings of the reefs and interactive models to be featured on the website.
Development of multibeam sonar maps that can be imported into most onboard chart plotters and cell phones.
Travel books that discuss the reef program and how to access or finds the reefs.
Launching a national campaign for each of the large vessel projects as they are deployed.
Creating a marketing campaign that discusses the diverse fishing and diving opportunities created due to the largest artificial reef program in the State of Florida.

 

[Matt J]

If it makes FWB feel better I've always considered them quite the dive.

 

[James Bentwood]

On Tuesday, February 28, 2023, the Okaloosa Tourist Development Council approved a request to allocate up to $1,710,000 from 6th penny tourist development taxes towards Year Two projects pursuant to the Okaloosa County 5-Year Artificial Reef Plan.

According to Coastal Resource Manager Alex Fogg, these artificial reef initiatives have supported the destination’s role in introducing locals, visitors, and specifically kids to the water and adventure.

Last year, the Okaloosa Board of County Commissioners approved a five-year artificial reef plan that allocated $2 Million dollars of funding for first-year projects. The deployment of the first-year projects included two large (190ft) vessels called the R/V MANTA and R/V DOLPHIN.

The deployments were not only a success, but came in under budget ($1.685 million). The savings were then applied to the acquisition of two additional vessels called the M/V CYCLOPS (110ft) and M/V ATLANTIS (125ft), which are pending deployment in state waters once Army Corps of Engineers Permits are issued (next 30days).

In addition to these requested funds, $1.26 million and $120k Grant awards (anticipated in the plan) were received from Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission that will allow more than 400 prefabricated modules to be deployed around the recently deployed reefs, creating additional nearshore and offshore habitat.

The Okaloosa County 5-Year Artificial Reef Plan is aimed at making Destin – Fort Walton Beach the dive capital of the state of Florida and build upon its status as a premier fishing destination. The Plan provides for an annual budget of $1.5M, excluding any grant funds or partner contributions. Staff plans to complete the project over the next 18 months.

This year, with partner support, the annual project plan totals $1.71 million. The 6th penny is conservatively estimated to generate $4 million this partial fiscal year. Funding up to $1.71 million from the 6th penny was requested for artificial reefs.
These are the five projects included in the proposal:

M/V CRIMSON WHITE: A 135ft long and 45ft tall tugboat that currently resides in Mobile, Alabama. The vessel has ideal features to become an artificial reef due to its hull thickness and vertical relief. While the exact location for deployment has not been determined, the length and height allow for it to be deployed in State or Federal waters.

Oil Rig Jacket (frame) and Barge: A 90ft long and 40ft tall structure used to be a part of a production platform offshore Texas. The jacket will be placed on two barges and transported to a deployment location offshore Destin-Fort Walton Beach. The Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) has expressed interest in being a financial partner in this project.

M/V DEEP STIM III: A 270ft long and 65ft tall well stimulation vessel (WSV) that was originally quoted as $1.8mil to acquire, clean, prepare, tow and deploy as an artificial reef but has recently been reduced to $750,000 for the entire project. Additionally, there is interest from Walton and Bay Counties to partner and split the cost of the project evenly.

Large Cargo Vessel: A 360ft long and 80ft+ tall vessel is currently in Louisiana. This vessel is being acquired by a government partner and following transport will remain as an artificial reef offshore Destin – Fort Walton Beach.

Destin High School inaugural reef deployment: Destin High School has established a fishing class that has a heavy emphasis on marine conservation. The class proposed partnering on an inaugural reef project that would be built upon during each semester. A total of 10 reefs will be deployed during this project.

Fogg says that each of these projects would be individually contracted and managed separately, and that there is the potential for significant cost savings through partnerships with neighboring counties and industry groups. Additionally, this year-two plan does not include grant funded module deployments and any large transformative project that would require regional and federal participation/approval.

Fogg highlighted the importance of these artificial reefs in providing habitat for marine life and enhancing the fishing and diving experiences in the area.

“We’re not only creating new habitats for marine life, but we’re also giving people an opportunity to enjoy these resources in a safe and sustainable way,” he said. “These reefs also have an economic impact on the area, as they attract anglers and divers, both young and old, from all over the world.”

He also noted that the projects will help support local businesses, including dive shops and charter boats.

“The creation of artificial reefs has a multiplier effect on the local economy, as it generates more demand for services such as boat rentals, scuba gear, and fishing equipment,” he said.

The projects have also garnered interest from local organizations and businesses. The Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) has expressed interest in being a financial partner in the Oil Rig Jacket and Barge project, and Starborough Wines will deploy $25k worth of reef modules in conjunction with the Destin High School inaugural reef deployment project.

Fogg emphasized that these projects are just another step in the county’s efforts to enhance its marine resources.

“We have a long-term vision for creating a world-class artificial reef system that benefits both the environment and the community,” he said. “We’re constantly exploring new opportunities and partnerships to make that vision a reality.”

While approved by the TDC, the plan still has to get the final approval from the Okaloosa Board of County Commissioners at an upcoming meeting.

 

[Matt J]

Come see our artificial reefs!

 

[Jim Tucker]

Okaloosa County’s Coastal Resource Team is gearing up to deploy 38 prefabricated artificial reef modules off the coast of Destin-Fort Walton Beach, an exciting initiative that highlights the community’s dedication to marine conservation.

The project, made possible through funding provided by private partners and the Okaloosa County TDC, is part of a larger 5-year plan aimed at enhancing the area’s marine ecosystems and sparking interest in local water adventures.

“It’s exciting to see private organizations expressing interest in collaborating with us on artificial reef initiatives,” said Coastal Resource Manager Alex Fogg. “This cooperation significantly extends the reach of our tourism dollars, benefiting both tourists and residents while amplifying the overall impact of our projects.”

The 38 prefabricated concrete modules, 4 of which will be 25ft tall and the remaining 34 will be 8ft tall, will create 14 patch reefs within three permitted areas in state and federal waters. Each module will be strategically placed at depths of 70-115ft to optimize the benefits for marine life and the dive community.

According to Fogg, these artificial reef modules are specifically designed to encourage growth on the structure and mimic natural reef features.

“Not only are we fostering new habitats for marine life, but we’re also providing a means for people to experience these resources in a responsible and sustainable manner,” said Fogg. “These reefs have a positive economic effect on the region by drawing in anglers and divers of all ages and skill levels from around the globe, bolstering local businesses like dive shops and charter boats.”

In addition to benefiting marine ecosystems, the project has been a valuable learning experience for some members of the community. Destin High School, for example, created a fishing class with an emphasis on marine conservation and has taken an active role in the project.

The class recently held a fundraiser at Half Hitch in Destin and raised $10,000 to purchase up to five reef modules for this deployment. The school will deploy one “super reef” (25ft tall) surrounded by 10 smaller reefs.

Last week, the Sharks went on a field trip to Orange Beach, AL. to watch the reefs get made and to name all of the reefs that will be deployed.

Starborough Wines is also deploying $28,000 worth of reef modules. In 2022, Starborough deployed two artificial ‘Super Reefs’ off Okaloosa and Walton beaches.

For this project, Starborough Wines will deploy 2 prefabricated ‘Super Reefs’ that will be accompanied by 16 small modules off the coast of Destin-Fort Walton Beach.

Saltwater Restaurants is deploying $33,160 worth of reefs to establish the Crab Trap Offshore Reef site. This site will be located directly south of Crab Trap Destin and consist of 9 prefabricated reefs (1 large, surrounded by 8 small reefs).

The Emerald Coast Reef Association has recently reestablished and hopes to build momentum and interest in the organization by deploying 2 small prefabricated reefs at a cost of $4,790.

The three permitted areas (State and Federal Waters) for this deployment are:

Fish Haven 14 (State): Starborough Wines
LAARS A (Federal): Destin High School Reef & Crab Trap Offshore Reef
LAARS C (Federal): Emerald Coast Reef Association

Walter Marine, the contractor selected for this project, plans to deploy the artificial reef modules in just one day, weather permitting. The targeted date for deployment is on or around May 17, 2023, during the first favorable weather window. The reef modules are constructed from clean, durable concrete and limestone materials.

The project is yet another milestone in the ongoing 5-Year Artificial Reef Planto make Destin-Fort Walton Beach the dive capital of Florida. With this deployment, nearly 2,000 modules will make up more than 300 reef sites. This is in addition to the dozens of large vessels and other reef materials deployed in the area.

“Our long-term goal is to establish an exceptional artificial reef system that supports both the ecosystem and the community,” said Fogg. “We’re constantly seeking new opportunities and partnerships to bring this vision to fruition.”

The coordinates for all of these artificial reefs will be posted on Visit Destin-Fort Walton Beach’s website after the deployment.

 

[Jim Tucker]

The Okaloosa Board of County Commissioners has approved a $450,000 contract with Tri-Native Contractors Inc. for acquiring and preparing the 144-foot MV FANTASEA, a retired casino boat, to be sunk as an artificial reef off the coast of Destin-Fort Walton Beach.

The FANTASEA currently sits in Louisiana but will be transported to Okaloosa County waters pending preparation as part of the county's 5-Year Artificial Reef Plan.
This is the fourth vessel the county has worked with Tri-Native on. They provided, cleaned and towed the MANTA, DOLPHIN and DEEP STIM.

"As with all of our artificial reef deployments, this vessel will provide essential new habitat for numerous fish species and an exciting new dive site for scuba divers and fishermen," said Alex Fogg, Okaloosa Coastal Resource Manager. "Adding new reefs enables us to continue boosting Destin-Fort Walton Beach's reputation as a premier fishing and diving destination in Florida."

The Board approved reallocating a portion of funds originally budgeted for the RV DEEP STIM III artificial reef project, which came in significantly under budget at one-third the projected cost thanks to a tri-county partnership and involvement by other community partners such as Coastal Conservation Association, Emerald Coast Reef Association and the South Walton Artificial Reef Association.

According to the contract, Tri-Native Contractors will fully clean and prepare the FANTASEA to meet all state and federal environmental standards for artificial reefs. This includes removing all hazardous fluids and materials, cleaning tanks and bilges, and scraping flaking paint for land disposal. The hull, propeller, shaft and superstructure will remain intact.

The company will also coordinate with a specialty marine contractor to cut holes for controlled flooding and even sinking. The total deployment cost is estimated around $65,000, which the county is seeking partnership funding for.

Walter Marine will complete the deployment adding to their resume of dozens of large vessels and tens of thousands of prefabricated reef modules being deployed throughout the Gulf of Mexico.

"The FANTASEA fits the design we are looking for to create interesting dive sites offshore Destin-Fort Walton Beach," added Fogg. "With numerous swim throughs and a high profile, we expect this to be another popular site not only for fishers and divers, but also for fish! While this isn't the first casino boat to be deployed off our coast, this is the largest and a more modern design which will last much longer.”

The FANTASEA is currently projected to be deployed later this year, providing a new diving and fishing site as well as spurring tourism and economic activity for the area.

Okaloosa’s 5-Year Artificial Reef Plan advances with $1.71 million in new reef projects for 2023

On Tuesday, February 28, 2023, the Okaloosa Tourist Development Council approved a request to allocate up to $1,710,000 from 6th penny tourist development

www.getthecoast.com

 

[Jim Tucker]

The first 3D printed artificial reefs were deployed on Monday off the Destin-Fort Walton Beach coast, sinking 25 concrete modules to the Gulf floor to establish new marine habitat.

The Okaloosa Coastal Resource Team successfully completed the deployment of these innovative man-made reefs in state waters (within 9 miles of the shore), ranging from 60 to 90 feet deep across five permitted areas, said Alex Fogg, Coastal Resource Manager.

The $403,262 project is just part of a $1.26 million grant received from Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission through the Natural Resource Damage Assessment Artificial Reef Creation and Restoration Project, which distributes BP oil spill recovery money for loss of use of the resource during the spill.

This is the second batch of funding from this granting source (first project completed in 2020). Environmental projects like artificial reefs are a great use of these funds as they provide numerous recreational opportunities to divers and fishers while also creating habitat that benefits the ecosystem, according to Fogg.

“We went out to bid and selected two contractors to handle this new reef project,” Fogg explained. “We selected Walter Marine to construct and deploy more than 250 concrete modules and 1Print to pilot a new artificial reef construction method, 3D concrete printing.”

1Print was historically involved in creating housing and mitigation structures such as breakwaters. They proposed the concept of 3D printing artificial reef modules and it was well received. Fogg collaborated with their team to create larger-scale versions of their models, aiming for substantial structures with plenty of nooks and crannies.

The finalized dimensions measured approximately 14 feet long, 8 feet tall and 6 feet wide, weighing 15,500 pounds each. The company can print 3 per day in their south Florida facility. Following construction, 1Print shipped the reefs to Orange Beach, AL and coordinated with Walter Marine to deploy their structures.

“It was cool to see two reef contractors working together to make this first-of-its-kind project happen here in Destin-Fort Walton Beach,” Fogg said.

The raw material for the reefs is concrete containing fiberglass rebar rather than traditional steel rebar. This is intended to improve durability in the marine environment.

Printing the reefs presented some new challenges for 1Print compared to past projects. Transporting the modules required some trial and error but they are confident with the process moving forward.

“We found some efficiencies that allowed us to go to mass scale and we’re confident we can go into mass production for future projects as well,” said Adam Friedman, co-founder of 1Print.

For a 3D construction company previously focused on real estate development, marine infrastructure provides a meaningful shift toward improving marine ecosystems.

The artificial reefs may tower 8 feet tall on the production floor, but they settle into the sandy bottom and act as a base structure welcoming marine residents.

“We’ve been deploying artificial reef modules here for many years, but these 3D printed reefs offer some nice diversity to the underwater landscape and may open the door to developing more complex structures,” Fogg said.

That diversity could come in the form of additional 3D printed artificial reefs in the future that Fogg says could be anything from structures designed to mimic familiar structures like concrete tanks to airplanes or abstract structures that have never been developed before.

“We’re hoping that this 3D technology will open the door for us to get a little more creative. We could have additional military designs that are constructed out of concrete, as opposed to having to source an actual plane or a tank that needs to be demilitarized,” he said. “At the end of the day, after a few years underwater, the growth on the structure will make it hard to tell the difference between a real or printed structure.

The designs provide a departure from typical secondary use materials like concrete culverts or retired ships. While Fogg said their more common reefs (prefabricated modules and vessels) effectively sustain sea life already, introducing different shapes and textures is welcomed by his team.

“We’re going to be monitoring these new reefs over time to see how they perform and see if there are design tweaks that we need to make, to make them more attractive to marine life,” said Fogg. “Time will tell how they perform, but this new technology is exciting and the variations from our existing projects continues to show that our area is at the forefront of artificial reef development.”

For 1Print, they could not be happier with the success of sinking these reefs offshore Destin-Fort Walton Beach.

“Alex and his team have been really supportive and they’re very passionate about this,” said Friedman. “It’s great to contribute to the area, the tourism and the ecosystem. We know it’s important to the residents and it’s important to us.”

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[Jim Tucker]

In an effort to enhance marine habitats, Okaloosa County’s Tourism Development Department has successfully deployed more than 275 artificial reef structures off the coast of Destin-Fort Walton Beach.

The $1.26 million project, funded by the Natural Resource Damage Assessment Fund, aims to create additional underwater habitats for marine life in the Gulf of Mexico.

The project, managed by the Coastal Resources Team of Destin-Fort Walton Beach, involved the deployment of 279 reef structures across 133 different sites.

The reefs range in size from 6 to 25 feet and were placed at depths varying from 65 to 292 feet, making them some of the deepest modules ever deployed by the county.

Destin-Fort Walton Beach Coastal Resources Manager Alex Fogg expressed pride in the completion of this extensive project, stating, “Our area of the Gulf of Mexico is lacking in natural reef structures for marine life to thrive which is something we are working to change. Not only do artificial reefs create essential habitat for native species here in the Gulf, but they also provide ideal locations for fishermen and divers to visit.”

The project also featured the deployment of innovative 3D-printed modules in late February, which are the first of their kind in the Gulf of Mexico.

The construction and deployment work was carried out by contractors Walter Marine and 1Print over six deployment days from February to early May.

“This is a great example of how we continue to work to be good stewards of the environment that we depend on for our fishing and tourism industries,” said Okaloosa County Board Chairman Paul Mixon, commending the impressive effort to enhance marine life habitats.

The project was fully funded by a grant from the Natural Resource Damage Assessment Fund, administered by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Coordinates for these and other reefs off Destin-Fort Walton Beach can be found on the county’s official website.

 

[Jim Tucker]

80ft and 75ft former scuba dive boats to become artificial reefs off Destin-Fort Walton Beach coast​

Contributed: John Dixon

The Okaloosa Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved a $138,000 contract with Coleen Marine, Inc. on Tuesday for the clean-up, preparation, towing, and deployment of two donated vessels as artificial reefs.

The project aims to enhance the county's status as a premier fishing and diving destination in Florida.

According to Okaloosa County Natural Resources Chief Alex Fogg, the county was approached in early April 2024 with the donation of two former scuba dive liveaboards, measuring 80ft and 75ft. The vessels, known as NEKTON PILOT and NEKTON RORQUAL, were built in 1992 and 2001 respectively.

"Partnerships like this cannot be recognized enough,” explained Fogg. “This is what makes our destination so special and is continuing to make waves in the fishing and diving community."

John Dixon, the designer and builder of the vessels, provided extensive insight into their history and significance.

"The NEKTON PILOT was built in Palatka, Florida, and delivered in 1992. The NEKTON RORQUAL was built in Port St. Joe, Florida, in 2001," Dixon said. “The vessels had 16 cabins with private baths and showers able to accommodate 32 passengers with 12 crew.”

He explained that the vessels were purpose-built for week-long scuba diving cruises and featured a unique "no sea-sick" technology called SWATH (small-waterplane-area-twin-hull) for enhanced stability.

The vessels operated successfully until April 2010, when the Deepwater Horizon oil rig disaster forced the cessation of scuba cruises. Dixon described the decision to repurpose the vessels as "bittersweet," stating, "Sorry to see the vessels not get back into operation after the Deepwater Horizon catastrophe but happy they can find new life helping the ocean environment."

Dixon explained the process that led to the donation: "Being based in Port St. Joe, Florida, we first communicated with Bob and Carol Cox of the Mexico Beach Artificial Reef Association (MBARA) who, because of the size and scale of the Nekton vessels, connected us to Alex Fogg and the Okaloosa County Artificial Reef Program."

The vessels were mostly gutted, cleaned, and in the process of being scrapped when the option for reefing became available. After a site visit and discussions with Dixon, the county decided to receive the vessels and issue an invitation to bid for the remaining tasks.

The Invitation to Bid, which opened on April 29, 2024, received three responses. Coleen Marine, Inc. was selected after a review by the Purchasing and the Tourist and Development Department.

Dixon believes these vessels are uniquely suited for artificial reefs. "Three unique attributes make this a wonderful artificial reef installation," he stated. "First, the unique properties of the steel lower hulls make them ideal for reef building. Second, the large open upper aluminum superstructures are ideal for visits by scuba divers. Third and finally, the unique history of both ships serving scuba divers on week-long cruises for decades will create a pilgrimage for thousands of past Nekton cruise guests."

The artificial reef project is expected to significantly positively impact the local marine ecosystem. According to Dixon, "The structures of these two vessels will provide homes and habitat to a huge population of fish and marine organisms."

Fogg emphasized that artificial reef deployments like this contribute to the improvement of Destin-Fort Walton Beach's reputation as a top fishing and diving destination in Florida.

"Seeing these Nekton vessels become artificial reefs really is fitting,” added Fogg. “From once being the platform that allowed so many divers to be able to explore our oceans to now being the site for these explorations is amazing."

The project represents a new chapter for the NEKTON vessels, transforming them from scuba liveaboards to vital components of Okaloosa County's marine habitat enhancement efforts.

"Every single diver who ever went out on one of these Nekton vessels experienced special moments with fish and turtles and dolphins and coral reefs under the sea," Dixon reminisced. "These divers are Americans who understand how precious our oceans are and appreciate protection efforts like the Okaloosa County artificial reef program."

 

[Jim Tucker]

Air Force sinks 360-foot old cargo ship near Destin-Fort Walton Beach with new weapons​

The Okaloosa County Artificial Reef Program expanded its underwater attractions last week with the addition of a 360-foot vessel to the Gulf of Mexico, offering new opportunities for fishing and diving enthusiasts.

The MV MONARCH COUNTESS, a former roll-on roll-off vessel, now rests upright in 180 feet of water off the coast of Destin-Fort Walton Beach. The ship, which has 100 feet of relief, was sunk as part of a U.S. Air Force demonstration of a new maritime threat neutralization capability.

Col. Matthew Caspers, Air Force Research Laboratory Munitions Directorate Director, highlighted the significance of the demonstration. “The development of this technology helps deliver technological superiority to ensure the United States can defend our interests, maintain freedom of action, and seize the initiative over large maritime areas,” Caspers said.

The vessel’s deployment as an artificial reef was originally approved in the county’s 5-Year Artificial Reef Plan in 2023. Prior to its sinking last week, local anglers reported sighting the ship offshore for about two weeks.

This latest addition to the artificial reef program continues a tradition of repurposing vessels for marine habitat enhancement in the area and marks another deployment involving the military. In April 2022, a similar operation saw the destruction of an old cargo ship as part of the QUICKSINK Joint Capability Technology Demonstration.

The Air Force Research Laboratory, in partnership with the U.S. Navy, has been developing the QUICKSINK program to explore new methods of neutralizing maritime threats using air-launched weapons. The recent demonstration, which involved a B-2 Spirit stealth bomber, took place in July as part of the second RIMPAC SINKEX.

“QUICKSINK is an answer to an urgent need to neutralize maritime threats to freedom around the world,” Caspers explained. “This program is unique in that it can provide capabilities to modify existing and future DoD weapons systems, giving combatant commanders and our national leaders new ways to defend against maritime threats.”

The MV MONARCH COUNTESS is expected to become a popular spot for fishing and diving, contributing to the area’s marine ecosystem and tourism industry. Coordinates for the new artificial reef are available on the Destin-Fort Walton Beach website.