New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos yesterday announced the deployment of materials to create a new marine habitat at Fire Island Reef, as part of the state’s ongoing efforts to develop a stronger marine ecosystem off New York’s shores.
Fire Island Reef is a 744-acre site located in the Atlantic Ocean 1.8 nautical miles south of the Fire Island Lighthouse.
“ Through the largest artificial reef expansion in state history, this milestone supports Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s efforts to bolster Long Island’s tourism and fishing industries ,” said DEC.
As directed by Governor Cuomo in April, and with multi-agency coordination, recycled materials from the State Department of Transportation, Canal Corporation, and the Thruway Authority are being put to new use and helping to develop New York’s artificial reef sites, including the Fire Island Reef.
Materials deployed yesterday on the Fire Island Reef site were 2,000 tons of jetty stone.
In September, DEC will oversee additional deployments of reef-building material on the Fire Island Reef, including an additional 2,000 tons of jetty stone, three decommissioned Erie Canal Vessels, and surplus Tappan Zee Bridge materials.