NC Division of Marine Fisheries, Morehead City, NC Videos

June is a great month for SCUBA diving offshore. North Carolina boasts some of the most popular dive locations on the East Coast, in part due to the 68 ships sank across 43 ocean artificial reefs. These ships attract a wide array of species and often make for incredible diving and spearfishing opportunities. Among the most popular ships to SCUBA on in North Carolina are the 320’ Indra at AR-330, the 183’ Spar and 439’ Aeolus at AR-305, the 215’ Hyde at AR-386, the 180’ Capt. Greg MicKey at AR-400, or any of the four 440’ WWII-era Liberty Ships found at AR-160, AR-315, and AR-370. Visit the online Interactive Artificial Reef Guide to zoom in for side scan imagery, view details of material, and download coordinates for the material to your GPS. Did you take a SCUBA trip on an artificial reef? The Artificial Reef Program would love to hear about it at the link in bio!

NC Artificial Reef Program - High Relief Ships
June is a great month for SCUBA diving offshore. North Carolina boasts some of the most popular dive locations on the East Coast, in part due to the 68 ships sank across 43 ocean artificial reefs. These ships attract a wide array of species and often make for incredible diving and spearfishing opportunities. Among the most popular ships to SCUBA on in North Carolina are the 320’ Indra at AR-330, the 183’ Spar and 439’ Aeolus at AR-305, the 215’ Hyde at AR-386, the 180’ Capt. Greg MicKey at AR-400, or any of the four 440’ WWII-era Liberty Ships found at AR-160, AR-315, and AR-370. Visit the online Interactive Artificial Reef Guide to zoom in for side scan imagery, view details of material, and download coordinates for the material to your GPS. Did you take a SCUBA trip on an artificial reef? The Artificial Reef Program would love to hear about it! https://bit.ly/3VvVjQa

New harvest reporting requirements for fishing in North Carolina
PUBLIC HEARING REMINDER: The NC Marine Fisheries Commission and NC Wildlife Resources Commission are accepting public comments until 5 p.m. May 20, 2024 on temporary rules to implement mandatory harvest reporting requirements passed by the N.C. General Assembly in Session Law 2023-137, Section 6. A combined agency virtual public hearing will be held tonight at 6pm. Learn more: https://bit.ly/44rbR05

The Artificial Reef Program recently enhanced AR-298, located 4 miles northwest of Ocracoke Island (35° 10.673’ N, 75° 59.792’ W). AR-298 is a 77-acre site and is a popular inshore fishing destination. Two barge loads of recycled concrete weighing approximately 1,200 tons in total were added to the reef. The recycled concrete joined large mounds of limestone marl, condensed piles of recycled concrete rubble and pipe, nearly 1,000 reef balls, and three vessels. AR-298 has been enhanced since 1996 and is now nearly 100% full of reef material. To the north of AR-298, AR-296 inshore of Hatteras is slated to be enhanced with 1,000 tons of granite later this year. Stay tuned!

NC Artificial Reef Program - High Relief Reefs
Atlantic Bonito are popular pelagic gamefish which are often targeted in April on artificial reefs while trolling or casting. Ships that are intentionally sunk on these reefs attract large schools of baitfish due to their exaggerated height, or “relief,” in the water column compared to the surrounding ocean floor. Bonito and other pelagic gamefish species can be found circling these ships as they hunt baitfish. A whopping 45 vessels that are classified as “high relief” are spread out over more than half of the 43 ocean reefs maintained by the Artificial Reef Program. These ships range in length from 50 feet to over 440 feet and include a variety of tugboats, fishing vessels, and military craft -- including four WWII-era Liberty Ships! The map at the end of the video shows which reefs are home to sunken vessels and the video is a compilation of some of these vessels.

NC Division of Marine Fisheries seeks spotted seatrout advisers
The Division manages fisheries through fishery management plans. When developing a fishery management plan, the Division gets help drafting potential management from a species-specific advisory committee. The committee and Division staff bring individual expertise to drafting the plan. The Spotted Seatrout Biologist has more on what to expect when applying to become an advisor. Correction: An earlier version of this video was posted with the wrong workshop date. Interested individuals must be available to attend and actively participate in the workshop over several days the week of April 22, 2024. https://www.deq.nc.gov/news/press-releases/2024/01/22/division-marine-fisheries-seeks-spotted-seatrout-advisers

January can be a challenging month to fish, especially offshore. Black Drum are a seasonal favorite to catch inshore to avoid the worst of the winter weather. Any of the 25 inshore artificial reefs or oyster sanctuaries have reef material where anglers can find Black Drum. AR-197 (Manteo), Neuse River Oyster Sanctuary (Neuse River near South River), AR-298 (Ocracoke), AR-396 Oriental, and AR-381 Swansboro are staff favorites for January inshore Black Drum fishing. 🎥 On AR-380, tides create relatively fast currents around reef material and you can find Black Drum foraging on the lee side of the reef balls. Interactive Reef Guide deq.nc.gov/interactive-reef-guide

Removing Spotted Seatrout Otoliths
Check out DMF Sportfishing Specialist, Amanda Macek, removing otoliths, or ear bones, from a Spotted Seatrout carcass that was donated to the Carcass Collection Program. These otoliths will provide valuable information about the age structure of the Spotted Seatrout population in North Carolina. To learn more about the program and to find out how to donate your carcasses, visit https://deq.nc.gov/carcass-collection-program. And since we’re talking about Spotted Seatrout, don’t forget to report any cold-stunned trout you happen to see this winter by calling the Division any time at 1-800-682-2632.

Spotted Seatrout Otolith Removal
Check out DMF Sportfishing Specialist, Amanda Macek, removing otoliths, or ear bones, from a Spotted Seatrout carcass that was donated to the Carcass Collection Program. These otoliths will provide valuable information about the age structure of the Spotted Seatrout population in North Carolina. To learn more about the program and to find out how to donate your carcasses, visit https://deq.nc.gov/carcass-collection-program. And since we’re talking about Spotted Seatrout, don’t forget to report any cold-stunned trout you happen to see this winter by calling the Division any time at 1-800-682-2632.

NC Artificial Reef Program - Reef Balls
Reef balls and similar structures are manufactured concrete forms that are used worldwide as artificial reef material. Ranging from 2’ – 5’ tall and weighing up to 6,000 pounds each, these concrete domes have up to 230 square feet of surface area, offering a massive amount of real estate for benthic and encrusting organisms such as algae, sponges, and corals to settle. Within a year, a single reef ball can act as a fully functioning “eco-sphere” while a field of reef balls can create a large, inter-connected reef environment. Colonization by sponges, corals, and fish make reef balls attractive targets for fishers and divers alike. The Artificial Reef Program typically sinks hundreds of reef balls per year. The latest enhancement was in September 2022 when the program sank 532 reef balls at AR-165 off Oregon Inlet and 170 reef balls at AR-368 off Surf City. This footage showcases some of the reef balls which were deployed in 2001 on AR-372, located approximately 5 miles from Masonboro Inlet off Wilmington in 50’ of water. To view and download GPS coordinates to these reef balls and more, visit the NC Artificial Reef Interactive Reef Guide: https://www.deq.nc.gov/interactive-reef-guide

NC Artificial Reef Program - AR 355 November 2023
As water temperatures cool and days get shorter, many Sheepshead migrate offshore to over-winter. Artificial reefs attract Sheepshead, where they take up residence on recycled concrete rubble and pipe, reef balls, and ships. In early November, divers with the Artificial Reef Program surveyed AR-355, AR-362, and AR-360 off Topsail Beach. In this video, schools of Sheepshead were found foraging around recycled concrete from a bridge that was placed in 1992. Sheepshead often form large, loose schools on offshore artificial reefs this time of year, making them a great species to target while bottom fishing or diving. Other species such as Black Sea Bass, Gag Grouper, and Greater Amberjack were also abundant on these three reefs. For reef locations and to download material-specific fishing coordinates ➡ https://bit.ly/3nPwPo8

NC Artificial Reef Program AR-305 Dive Survey
AR-305 is a popular artificial reef for fishing and diving. It is the second deepest artificial reef with an average depth of 105 feet and is located approximately 28 miles south from Beaufort Inlet. The reef features the 183-foot USCG buoy tender Spar (scuttled in 1988), the 439-foot USN cable layer Aeolus (scuttled in 2004), and the recently deployed 1,700 tons of concrete pipe (July 2023). In this video, divers with the Artificial Reef Program inspect the Spar for durability and stability after 35 years as a reef. Visibility was approximately 70 feet. The ship is almost entirely intact, with the inspection ranging from its precipice at 75 feet deep to its keel at 105 feet deep. Sportfish on the wreck included Greater and Almaco Amberjacks, Gag Grouper, and Spanish Mackerel. A host of smaller fish species, corals, sponges, and algae were also present. The relatively deep depth, great visibility, and proximity to the Gulf Stream, compared to other artificial reefs, make AR-305 an excellent choice for fishers and divers alike.

Cedar Island Oyster Sanctuary
Look at all that rock! The Division’s Habitat & Enhancement section has been busy this summer deploying another 16,000 tons of limestone at Cedar Island Oyster Sanctuary. In a collaborative effort between DMF and the North Carolina Coastal Federation, the 75-acre site is finally complete. Each barge load moved about 750 tons of rock to the site, where it was deployed by excavators to create high relief, parallel ridges. The hard material now provides places for oyster larvae to settle and grow into adult oysters that are protected from harvest. This is also valuable habitat for many other estuarine species. Want to know more about the Oyster Sanctuary Program? https://deq.nc.gov/oyster-sanctuaries

How to Make a Red Drum Rig - Catchin' with Kevin
Bull drum season is here! Before you head out to catch one of these stunning fish, make sure you have the proper gear. If you’re fishing from 7:00 pm to 7:00 am with natural bait using a hook larger than 4/0, remember to make sure your terminal tackle consists of: 🎣 A circle hook with barb compressed or removed 🎣 A fixed sinker, less than 6 inches from the circle hook, that weighs at least 2 ounces These requirements are in place from July 1 to September 30 in the Internal Coastal Waters of Pamlico Sound and its tributaries and are meant to promote ethical angling, safety, and conservation. Learn how to build one of these rigs 👇

NC Artifical Reef Program - AR 320
In 1987, demolition of the Atlantic Beach Bridge was completed. The entirety of the bridge – including the steel turn style drawbridge – was sank as artificial reef material on AR-320. This reef is one of the most popular artificial reefs in the Mid-Atlantic for fishers and divers and is located approximately 8 miles out of Beaufort Inlet in 50 feet of water. In addition to the Atlantic Beach Bridge material, AR-320 also has the 140-foot Novelty (1986), the 98-foot Ft. Fisher (2018), and part of Oregon Inlet’s Bonner Bridge which was deployed in 2022. In this video you can see the side rails and deck spans of the Atlantic Beach Bridge. Fish such as Sheepshead, Black Sea Bass, and Gag Grouper are common on the bridge material, while the vessels attract pelagic predators such as Spanish Mackerel and Amberjacks. Coral and other encrusting organisms are found throughout. Maps and coordinates of material for fishing and diving on North Carolina’s artificial reefs can be found on the Artificial Reef Interactive Guide at https://www.deq.nc.gov/about/divisions/marine-fisheries/public-information-and-education/coastal-fishing-information/artificial-reefs

On July 17, the Artificial Reef Program deployed 1,700 tons of concrete pipe onto AR-305, off Cape Lookout. As one of the deepest artificial reefs, AR-305 has an average depth of 105 feet and is home to the 183-foot USCG buoy tender Spar and the 439-foot US Navy cable layer Aeolus. Damaged or otherwise unusable concrete pipe is routinely donated by companies and municipalities from around the state for use by the Artificial Reef Program. The pipe would otherwise be disposed of in a landfill, which is both costly and takes up valuable space. Concrete pipe is deployed in mounds in “pick-up sticks” fashion where it creates habitat for fish, invertebrates, and corals. In the coming weeks, the Artificial Reef Program will map the new material and upload side scan imagery and exact coordinates to the online interactive guide at link in bio. For those who can’t wait, the new pipe was deployed on and around 34° 16.703’ N, 76° 38.734’ W. While it is still new, the pipe is likely already holding fish and is certainly worth investigating on your next fishing trip!

NC Artificial Reef Program AR-305 Deployment - July 17, 2023
On July 17, the Artificial Reef Program deployed 1,700 tons of concrete pipe onto AR-305, off Cape Lookout. As one of the deepest artificial reefs, AR-305 has an average depth of 105 feet and is home to the 183-foot USCG buoy tender Spar and the 439-foot US Navy cable layer Aeolus. Damaged or otherwise unusable concrete pipe is routinely donated by companies and municipalities from around the state for use by the Artificial Reef Program. The pipe would otherwise be disposed of in a landfill, which is both costly and takes up valuable space. Concrete pipe is deployed in mounds in “pick-up sticks” fashion where it creates habitat for fish, invertebrates, and corals. In the coming weeks, the Artificial Reef Program will map the new material and upload side scan imagery and exact coordinates to the online interactive guide ➡ https://bit.ly/3nPwPo8 For those who can’t wait, the new pipe was deployed on and around 34° 16.703’ N, 76° 38.734’ W. While it is still new, the pipe is likely already holding fish and is certainly worth investigating on your next fishing trip!