Virginia Artificial Reef Pilot Test Saturday, June 11, 2023
The Virginia Saltwater Sportfishing Association (VSSA), whose mission is to support recreational anglers, in coordination with the Virginia Marine Resource Commission (VMRC), has coordinated a pilot program to test procedures for individual volunteer angler donations to Virginia Artificial Reefs. The first pilot test drop is scheduled for Saturday, June 10, 2023 for East Ocean View Reef located off Ocean View. Heard Concrete from Chesapeake Virginia has graciously donated time and material to create concrete reef balls that anglers will pick up and drop by private boats from 8 am to 11 am on June 10. Volunteers are meeting at the Lynnhaven Boat ramp to have the reef balls inspected by VMRC staff before proceeding to East Ocean View Reef, where they will meet a VMRC boat to drop on designated locations. Most of Virginia artificial reefs are in need of new material. If this test pilot drop is successful, then other reefs in the Chesapeake Bay and coastal waters of Virginia may also use this program to add material. For more information on this effort visit: https://joinvssa.org/reef-program/
Press wishing to take pictures and interview volunteers can arrive at the Lynnhaven Boat Ramp from 8 am to 10 am on Saturday, June `0. If any member of the press wants to ride on a VSSA boat to take pictures or film a deployment of the reef balls, please contact Mike Avery, phone: 757-329-5137 or email ifishva@gmail.com
Virginia Saltwater Sportfishing Association (VSSA)
email: ifishva@gmail.com