Habitat Enhancement Master Plan

The Foundation  completed the first phase of a multi-year program to adopt a Master Plan for artificial reef development off the coast of San Diego County. 

The plan consists of five types of zones, which together, meet the desires of researchers, divers, surfers, and the various fishing communities. The intent is to guide the development of the seafloor following the same concepts that are used in terrestrial master planning.

Future near-term efforts will be devoted to finding the appropriate local and state agencies to "sponsor" the Master Plan and to develop the text, accompanying the already developed maps. The full Master Plan program will require several years for "fine tuning" and adoption by the various state and federal agencies. In the interm, the Foundation will continue implementing its various habitat enhancement programs, such as the Artificial Reef Monitoring Project.

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MBAR is a 512-acre sand area, designated by the Department of Fish and Game in 1986, as an area to receive artificial reef materials. Currently, it contains four vessels ("Wreck Alley") and several small "waste" concrete reefs. It has an additional capacity of over 17,000 tons to add to the remaining 90% of MBAR not in use.

In April 1998, the Foundation installed a 500-ton concrete reef in MBAR at 45' depth. It has proven to be very effective for the production of a kelp bed and is inadvertently serving as a model for marine biologists who are seeking optimal designs for artificial reef construction. Support for the reef came from the grants from Kelco, San Diego County of Fish and Wildlife Advisory Committee, Elizabeth Bruton, and Steve Drogin. A professional video has documented this project.

The Foundation appreciates any donated materials that may be used in the construction of more artificial reefs.