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FGCU plans new artificial reef

A goliath grouper swims around an artificial reef during an underwater survey.
FWC Flickr
A goliath grouper swims around an artificial reef during an underwater survey.

Florida Gulf Coast University is looking to build a new artificial reef in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of North Naples. The FGCU Artificial Reef project involves large concrete structures deployed in water about eight miles west of Wiggins Pass in about 30 feet of water.

The concrete is being donated by the Cape Coral concrete company Old Castle and the News-Press reports, FGCU is looking to raise $300,000 to pay for relocation and deployment of the concrete structures.

Professor with FGCU's Water School Mike Parsons is spearheading the project, which will help researchers better understand how to sustain coastal ecosystems and monitor red tide algae blooms. The artificial reef will also have interdisciplinary functions that could also involve engineering and business students.