May 25, 2013
PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (AP) -- Authorities have lowered 40 artificial reefs into the Gulf of Mexico off a Florida Panhandle county.
The rock and concrete structures were sunk Thursday in the waters off Bay County as part of a grant from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Each piece weighs more than 4,000 pounds.
Bay County extension agent Scott Jackson says the reefs will attract snapper, grouper and bait fish. County Commissioner Bill Dozier says artificial reefs help boost fishing and tourism.
The reefs are built to last about 20 years. Another 230 artificial reefs are in development for Bay County.
