DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES

News Release

LINDA LINGLE

GOVERNOR

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

PETER T. YOUNG, CHAIRPERSON

Phone: (808) 587-0401

Fax: (808) 587-0390

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For Immediate Release: November 29, 2006

DLNR Adds Concrete Fish Habitats
To Maunalua Artificial Reef

HONOLULU— The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) today added approximately 2,500 “Z” shaped modular fish habitats to its Maunalua Bay Artificial Reef, located off of Kahala, O‘ahu today, Wednesday, November 29.

The modules, constructed from concrete by Pioneer Machinery, Inc. were loaded onto an American Marine barge and deployed in 60-80 feet of water. Each “Z”-shaped form measures eight feet long by four feet wide with 12-inch legs at each end facing in opposite directions.

This reef is approximately 74 acres in size and was created in 1961. It consists of 1593 cars, 2004 tons of concrete pipes, 2278 tire modules, 5 barges, 40 truck tires, 300 table shelters, 9890 z-modules, 1 military LCU, 70 concrete anchor blocks, and 6150 tons of miscellaneous concrete pieces.

“New coral and seaweed will grow on the forms, which will provide additional habitat to new communities of reef fish,” said DLNR Chairperson Peter Young. “Artificial reefs increase potential fishing grounds for fishermen, and the cost to the State is minimal,” he said.

Prior to and during the deployment of the “Z” forms, the target area was marked with surface floats to warn fishermen, boaters, and divers to stay clear of the barge and the reef site, for safety reasons.

DLNR has four shallow water (50-100') artificial reefs and one deepwater (300-420') artificial reef. Three of the shallow water reefs are located off of O‘ahu at Waianae, Maunalua Bay, Kualoa. The fourth is located off of Keawekapu on Maui. The deep water artificial reef is located off of Ewa Beach, Oahu.

Numerous studies have shown that artificial reefs are effective at enhancing reef habitat, thus increasing fish biomass and species diversity within the reef site. Artificial reefs are key components in fisheries enhancement, as well as a substrate for the settlement of coral polyps (coral growth). Artificial reefs are also attractive SCUBA and snorkel dive sites.

For more information on the artificial reef program contact Paul Murakawa, DLNR-Aquatics, at 587-5404.

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For more information, media contact:
Deborah Ward
DLNR Public Information Specialist
Phone: (808) 587-0320