House Approves Using Ships For Reefs

The U.S. House of Representatives approved a measure that will provide opportunities for retired Navy ships to be considered for artificial reefs. This language was included as an amendment to H.R. 4350, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2022, which passed the House and awaits action by the full U.S. Senate. The amendment was based on the Reusing Equipment for Environmental Fortification (REEF) Act introduced by Rep. María Salazar (R-Fla.) and a strong bipartisan group of her colleagues.

By increasing opportunities for retired naval vessels to be considered for artificial reefs, the REEF Act will help create new marine ecosystems and recreational fishing opportunities. ASA spearheaded a letter from more than a dozen recreational fishing and boating organizations in support of the REEF Act and actively worked to gain cosponsors.

Here’s the letter and sponsoring groups…

Dear Representative Salazar, On behalf of the recreational fishing and boating community, thank you for your leadership on the Reusing Equipment for Environmental Fortification (REEF) Act. This bill will help provide opportunities for retired naval vessels to be considered for artificial reefs, which would boost the marine environment and provide recreational fishing opportunities. The nation’s 55 million recreational anglers contribute $125 billion to the economy annually and support 825,000 jobs. Through federal excise tax on fishing equipment and motorboat fuel, license fees, and donations, anglers spend an additional $1.6 billion annually on conservation efforts. Conservation and access to vibrant fisheries are extremely important to anglers. Artificial reefs enhance the marine ecosystem and establish new fishing structure. This occurs because artificial reefs provide a place for algae and invertebrates, such as coral, to accumulate, which are a food source for other fish and marine life. These smaller creatures attract larger predators, many of which are important sportfish. Ultimately drawn by the food, marine life begins using the artificial reef for shelter. There are numerous examples of decommissioned vessels being successfully converted into artificial reefs, benefiting the marine environment and becoming valuable fishing destinations. By requiring Congress to report viable naval vessels for artificial reefing, the REEF Act will help create new marine ecosystems and recreational fishing opportunities. Not only is this exciting legislation for marine life and anglers, but also for local economies that can benefit from the spending power of anglers. We are grateful for your commitment to improving marine habitats and increasing recreational fishing opportunities through the REEF Act. We are ready to assist you as you work toward the passage of this important legislation.

Sincerely, American Sportfishing Association BoatU.S. Center for Sportfishing Policy Coastal Conservation Association Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation International Game Fish Association National Marine Manufacturers Association National Association of Charterboat Operators Panama City Boatmen Association Recreational Fishing Alliance Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership Wild Oceans