Abstract

Florida reportedly has more permitted artificial reefs that any other state in the US. Artificial reefs have been deployed in state and federal waters all along the Gulf and South Atlantic Coast of Florida. A long history of deployment programs has been met with strong support by local communities who derive significant economic benefit from the use of the reefs by both commercial and recreational user groups.Some reefs meet local demands, while other artificial reef deployments attract users from around the state and the nation. Some recent large ship deployments are good examples of artificial reef programs that have created a reputa-tion for artificial reefs in Florida as premier dive destinations, while other reefs continue to provide access to local anglers and divers. The users of the reefs create economic activity as they purchase fuel, supplies, lodging and other items necessary for the utilization of the artificial reefs. Many non-residents utilize the reefs, who bring in new dollars to the local economies. Key user groups include both private boaters and the fore-hire sector. The economic contribu-tion of these artificial reef users can be significant to the local economies where the use occurs, as well as the overall economy of Florida. This poster provides an overview of the studies that have been conducted with the goal of quantifying the economic activity and impacts associated with artificial reef use in Florida.

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