Pre-Cast Reef Structures

Various manufactured products can be used to create an artificial reef foundation that supports the settlement and growth of shellfish.  Individual units are typically placed close together similar to a stacked shell bag or marsh sill structure. 

Suitable Sites

• Evidence of healthy native shellfish population in vicinity, e.g. oyster beds &/or ribbed mussels
• Salinity always above 10 ppt; sites with salinity below 5 ppt are not suitable for growing oysters
• Water depth at least 1 foot at low tide; intertidal reefs are subject to freezing and winter die-off
• Firm bottom, not soft mud
• Suitable access to deploy and remove reef structures is available

Guidelines for Pre-Cast Reef Structures

• Use marine-safe concrete structures that encourage shellfish to attach or settle
• Include tidal gaps if the height of a continuous reef exceeds the mean high water elevation and the reef is adjacent to a natural or planted tidal marsh
• Reef structures should be monitored for shifting and displacement from original permitted location
• Promptly remove failed or damaged reef structures