MONROE COUNTY ANNOUNCES UPCOMING ARTIFICIAL REEF DEPLOYMENTS

MONROE COUNTY, FL – Monroe County’s Artificial Reefs Program is preparing for several upcoming reef material deployments on the gulfside of the Lower Florida Keys. These sites enhance marine habitats, create new recreational diving and fishing opportunities, provide waypoints for marine migration, and help relieve pressure on natural coral reefs. The deployments will include a variety of concrete modular structures.

The following deployment location is currently scheduled:
• Gulfside 5 Mile Reef – June 9, 2026
Latitude: 24.79793 N
Longitude: -81.69104 W

Additional deployments are planned at the following locations, with dates to be determined:

• Gulfside 8 Mile Reef
  Latitude: 24.904 N
  Longitude: -81.556 W

• Gulfside 9 Mile Reef
  Latitude: 24.899 N
  Longitude: -81.606 W

Members of the public are welcome to observe deployments from private vessels, provided they maintain a minimum distance of 500 feet from deployment operations. For safety reasons, no one may enter the water within the permitted site during active deployments.

All published locations and dates are subject to change based on weather and sea conditions, contractor availability, or county scheduling needs. Last-minute changes may not be reflected immediately online. Anyone wishing to confirm deployment schedules before traveling to a site should text 786-847-5443 for the most current information.

Monroe County’s Artificial Reefs Program is state-funded and provides valuable habitat for marine life while supporting the region’s world-renowned fishing and diving industries. To learn more about the program, visit www.monroecounty-fl.gov/reefs.