Organization for Artificial Reefs Deploys Two New Reefs
July 16, 2007

On July 14, 2007, the Organization for Artificial Reefs (OAR) deployed two new memorial artificial reefs in the Gulf of Mexico offshore Carrabelle, Florida. The reefs consist of concrete pipes and culverts dropped in two locations, and will be named in the memory of Nick Cureton and Dave Iacampo.

Purchased with proceeds from the Big Bend Saltwater Classic (BBSC) fishing tournament and donations in the name of Nicholas Cureton, the new reefs will increase recreational opportunities for both fishermen and divers.

The Nicholas Cureton Memorial Reef and the Dave Iacampo Memorial Reef are located approximately 15 nautical miles southeast of Carrabelle in 45 to 55 feet of water. The coordinates of the two reefs are N 29 39.808 W84 29.956 and N 29 39.904 W84 29.994. 

These two memorial reefs mark the third and fourth reef deployments for OAR this year. The previous two reefs were 25 ReefMaker modules deployed in Bay County and a 100’ barge deployed in Gulf County off Mexico Beach.

OAR is a private, 501(c)(3) nonprofit group of marine enthusiasts and artificial reef advocates based in Tallahassee, FL. OAR serves the recreational saltwater fishing community of Florida’s Big Bend Gulf Coast by promoting the professional development of public artificial reefs. For more information about memorial reefs, visit OAR online at www.oar-reefs.org.

The BBSC is a Florida non-profit corporation and maintains 501(c)(3) status with the Internal Revenue Service.  Each year, the proceeds from the tournament are distributed to organizations that plan, permit, deploy and monitor artificial reefs in the Gulf of Mexico, along a stretch of approximately one hundred fifty miles of coastline in the “Big Bend” region of Florida. Visit us online at www.saltwaterclassic.com.