Shell and LDWF lead funding for the Latest REEF Louisiana Project, Built by CCA Louisiana, Natrx and Danos
The Coastal Conservation Association of Louisiana (CCA Louisiana) has completed construction of its 70th artificial reef, deployed Sept. 15 in Garden Island Bay off the coast of Venice. The project was made possible through lead funding support from Shell and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF), in partnership with Building Conservation Trust (BCT), CCA’s National Habitat Initiative. The project was carried out in coordination with LDWF, Natrx and Danos.
Crews staged out of Cypress Cove Marina in Venice, deploying under clear skies on what partners described as a smooth, successful install. Natrx designed the 400 Cajun Coral reef modules deployed at the site. In partnership with CCA Louisiana, Danos led planning, construction and project management for the installation, with boats and equipment provided by White Water Contractors.
“Every reef we build adds real structure to Louisiana’s coast, habitat that redfish, speckled trout and the anglers chasing them will be using for decades to come. Hitting the milestone of 70 reefs is proof that the REEF Louisiana program works, and none of it happens without support from LDWF and private industry investors like Shell, as well as our construction partners, Natrx, Danos and White Water Contractors,” said John Walther, Chairman of Habitat and Conservation for CCA Louisiana.
“We greatly appreciate the work that CCA and BCT do in concert to continue to improve the quality of habitat for our fishery and the people and families who go out there and fish,” said Joni Tuck, Sr. Corporate Relations Advisor, Shell.
“LDWF’s Artificial Reef Program really values this partnership. CCA Louisiana not only matches us with funding, but they have that local knowledge through their chapters that helps us find the best areas to do effective projects,” said Mike McDonough, Artificial Reef Coordinator for LDWF.
This reef adds to REEF Louisiana, CCA Louisiana’s ongoing artificial reef program built with LDWF and private-sector partners to restore habitat and create new fishing opportunities along the Louisiana coast. GPS coordinates for the new site will be published on ccalouisiana.com once available.
Project partners
CCA Louisiana is proud to partner with the following organizations on this project:
- Shell
- Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF)
- Building Conservation Trust (BCT)
- Danos
- Natrx
- White Water Contractors, Inc.
