Country music star Kenny Chesney's "No Shoes Reefs" organization’s first artificial reef deployment of a four 10,000 lb goliath reef balls about .5 miles off Delray Beach kicks off the development of a 32-acre underwater reef park in Palm Beach County.
No Shoes Reefs partnered with Palm Beach County Reefs, CCA Florida, Reef Ball Foundation, Sandoway Discovery Center, Building Conservation Trust and Global SubDive to deploy 130,000 pounds of goliath reef balls. Reefs matter for us and for the environment in countless ways. Artificial reefs are useful tools for restoring our reef systems to a natural and productive balance.
The reef site is located offshore just over 0.5 miles east of Delray Beach, Florida (26o 27.178/-80o 02.739). No Shoes Reefs 4 takes its name from the reef’s four partners -- and will provide long-term educational opportunities for the students of Palm Beach County through the Sandoway Discover Center’s ongoing educational programs. These educational opportunities will necessitate an ongoing reef monitoring program. NSR4 will also provide a long-term economic boost for the County, as well as a positive impact on the marine species, tourism, and on the local fishing and diving community for many years to come.
“No Shoes Reefs is an extension of how I have tried to live for many, many years,” says Chesney. “Love the water, give back to the water. Many people don’t realize both how fragile and resilient the ocean’s ecosystems are, and I think it’s the small projects that raise awareness on local levels that help people understand the ocean is a living thing. Our partners have been so tireless in terms of raising money, awareness and doing the actual work – and it’s a wonderful way to build the No Shoes Nation community of people who care about the ocean, the beach and our whole way of life.”
“Improving and creating sustainable fisheries and protecting Florida’s marine environment is CCA Florida’s lifeblood,” CCA Florida Director of Habitat and Environmental Restoration Frank Gidus said. “We’re honored to be part of this reef project and partner with No Shoes Reef, as it’s a symbiotic relationship sharing the same goal – to improve our coastal environments and waterways for today and for generations to come.”
No Shoes Reefs, an evolving group of Brands, Ocean Habitat Conservationists Organizations and people wanting to join Kenny helping make a difference, One Reef At A Tim. www.noshoesreefs.org
The Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) was founded in 1977 after drastic commercial overfishing along the Texas coast decimated redfish and speckled trout populations. One of 19 state chapters, CCA Florida became the fifth state chapter in 1985. A 501(c)3 non-profit, the purpose of CCA is to advise and educate the public on conservation of marine resources. Through habitat restoration projects, water quality initiatives and fisheries advocacy, CCA Florida works with its over 18,000 members including recreational anglers and outdoor enthusiasts to conserve and enhance marine resources and coastal environments. Join the conversation on Facebook or learn more at ccaflorida.org.
