20th Annual
Big Bend Saltwater Classic

FATHER'S DAY WEEKEND
June 13-15, 2008

Organization for Artificial Reefs Deploys New Reefs

With the 20th Annual Big Bend Saltwater Classic benefitting the Organization for Artificial Reefs (OAR) passed, OAR is proud to announce the launching of one new reef and the addition to another existing reef in the Florida Panhandle. These reefs, located off Mexico Beach and Dog Island, are a direct result of the success of the Big Bend Saltwater Classic’s mission and sponsor support.

The first reef, the Century Boats Reef, was deployed on Wednesday, June 4, and consists of 20 limestone tetrahedron modules in roughly 100 feet of water approximately ten miles off the coast of Mexico Beach. Century Boat Company, who is the presenting sponsor for the Big Bend Saltwater Classic, is very excited about the success of the tournament and their new reef. Richie Rodgers, National Sales Manager for Century Boat Company, Inc. says of the partnership, “Century Boats considers it a privilege to sponsor the Big Bend Saltwater Classic which has grown into an incredibly successful event and we are honored to have an artificial reef named on our behalf.” Speaking of the reef deployment, Rodgers says, “OAR has provided strong leadership in procuring the fish habitat throughout the Northeast Gulf Coast that we all enjoy so much and strive to protect.” The coordinates for the Century Boat Reef are N 29 47.201, W 85 42.691. “The reef is located approximately 18 nautical miles from Mexico Beach on a heading of 238,” said Rob Buda, OAR Research Dive Team Director.

On Friday, June 6, off the coast of Dog Island (just off the Carrabelle shore), the Cureton and Iacampo reefs were grown, as well, with additional materials added to the existing reefs. These memorial reefs, named after dedicated local fishing enthusiasts, are yet another example of the ways the Big Bend Saltwater Classic and OAR have been able grown and prevailed.

“Proceeds from the Classic fishing tournaments are provided to OAR for the construction of artificial reefs.  OAR would like to thank the many volunteers of the the Classic for providing the means to create these reefs.  OAR would also like to thank the Mexico Beach Artificial Reef Association (MBARA) and Reefmaker Artificial Reefs,” Buda said.

For more information concerning these reefs and others deployed by OAR, visit the website at www.oar-reefs.org.