Artificial Reefs Could Resurrect Oysters On Gulf’s Independence Island

Two artificial reefs soon will cover 4 acres of old oyster reefs alongside the long-submerged Independence Island, one of the most popular speckled-trout fishing sites off Grand Isle.

This spring, about 3,500 tons of limestone will be poured to sustain the dying reef habitat that gradually has been covered by mud from coastal erosion and hurricanes.

Gov. Bobby Jindal announced the move Tuesday in Baton Rouge, along with members of the Coastal Conservation Association — a nonprofit group that represents the interests of saltwater fishermen — and Shell Oil Co., which donated the money to make the project possible.

The artificial reef is for habitat, not coastal, restoration. Yet, some state Department of Wildlife and Fisheries officials did say that if the state can allocate more funds, resurrecting Independence Island in the future would aid long-term coastal protection.

To read the rest of the story, please go to: The Times-Picayune (New Orleans, LA).