Bridge of Lions Will Become Artificial Reef Project

 

One of the namesake Lions. This bascule bridge is the primary symbol of the city (along with the Fort). Photo Credits: A.E. Crane

From the time the historical Bridge of Lions in St. Augustine, Florida, was officially closed in May 2006, a temporary bridge has served as the St. Augustine-to-Anastasia Island connector. This fall the rehabilitated Bridge of Lions will reopen, and the temporary bridge will be dismantled. Once it is broken into large pieces, concrete from the temporary bridge will be taken by barge several miles offshore and placed to create an artificial reef in the Atlantic Ocean. Several sites are currently being considered for the reef’s location, but all would be easily accessible by small boats.

The Bridge of Lions, the old bridge bringing together the sea shoring part with the center of the old city, richly adorned with lions. Photo Credits: Beth Learn

Underwater reefs are a haven for a variety of sea life and, therefore, a draw for water-sport fans that like to fish or dive. But because natural reefs do not occur in the waters above the continental southern tip of Florida, artificial reefs are a winning proposition for marine life and marine lovers alike. Artificial reefs are generally located in areas where the ocean floor is void of features that encourage fish habitation. The hard materials of the artificial reefs are a perfect place for algae, barnacles, corals, oysters, and the like to attach, thereby, drawing fish to them.

Source: Kathy Botticello