Largest Artificial Reef Expansion in NYS History

Dear New Yorker,

July 10, 2018

As you know, the number of species of fish and crustacea habitats in our waters have
been declining over the years resulting in severe impacts to the fishing industry, tourism
and local economies. In an effort to revive marine life populations, Governor Cuomo
has launched the largest artificial reef expansion in our state's history.

This unprecedented commitment will enhance 12 artificial reef sites beginning with six
this year at Fire Island, Hempstead, Moriches, Rockaway, Shinnecock, and Smithtown
with many more in the years to come. Enclosed is a map with coordinates for all of the
artificial reefs including the six sites being enhanced this year.

The reef program will be developed through a multi-state agency effort to use retired
steel vessels from the Erie Canal, and demolition materials from the Tappan Zee Bridge
and other transportation and infrastructure projects. Material and vessels have been
cleaned of all contaminants and repurposed. Once the materials settle on the sea floor,
the reef structure will begin to fill with various species of marine life and over time the
structure will create a habitat very similar to a natural reef. We expect to see fish like
blackfish, black sea bass, scup, fluke, hake, and cod move in to check out the new
structure. Lobsters and crabs also take up residence in our artificial reefs, and
encrusting organisms like barnacles, sponges, anemones, corals, and mussels cling to
and cover the material.

Once again New York is leading the way and this new artificial reef program will
increase marine populations and provide a boost to local economies and tourism. I
hope you have the opportunity to fish or dive near these expanded reefs. Please feel
free to share this exciting news with others in New York's marine fishing community and
provide feedback on how to improve this exciting program.

To download the map and coordinates, and for more information about Governor
Cuomo's reef initiative, please visit DEC's website.

Sincerely,

Basil Seggos