In a matter of weeks, fish, big and small will fill the nooks and crannies of 40 newly submerged structures. The concrete enclosures that look more like pyramids are said to be an asset to our tourism and fishing industry.

A recent study estimates that for every dollar spent on artificial reefs, $138 are returned to the economy, which means that more than $8 million can come our way.

The artificial reefs built from limestone and concrete are best used as a fisheries conservation tool. In 3-5 years, the reefs will reach their maximum potential, drawing in soft corals, plants and barnacles.

The plant life is ideal for bait fish, which draw in bigger fish like red snapper. Bobby Fuller, a fifth generation fisherman says the benefits of having these reefs are countless and as a fisherman, he’s looking for all the help he can get.

“If we can go to different places and not go to one place all the time, it makes it a whole lot easier for us to fish. It attracts all sorts of fish. It starts off with the little fish and then the big fish eat the little fish.” Fuller says.

To see the location of over 230 artificial reef deployments in Bay County visit, http://bay.ifas.ufl.edu/segrant/reefs