Gulf Power donates 300 tons of materials for artificial reef

Almost 300 tons of concrete and aluminum donated by Gulf Power could soon be teeming with sea life.

The electric utility is providing the retired materials to help make an artificial reef about two miles south of Pensacola Beach in 60 feet of water near the Three Barges site.

The Escambia County Marine Recreational Committee will sink the materials some time next year.

The 66 concrete sections — covers for underground electrical equipment — weigh about 9,000 pounds each and will serve as a foundation for the public reef, which will include concrete culverts from the county.

“Concrete, steel and aluminum are great for reef-building — and this material would have otherwise been discarded,” Gulf Power Spokesman Jeff Rogers said. “The fish and sea life love this stuff; it will be a boon to fishing and diving.”

The covers, made of 13-inch-thick concrete with aluminum hatches, are being replaced with newer lids that will provide better access for Gulf Power technicians working on the underground electric equipment.

Artificial reefs provide crucial habitat for fish and create fishing and diving sites. The goals of the artificial reef program include enhancing the sandy sea floor to create habitat and increase marine life.

Gulf Power helped create another artificial reef in 1992 when it donated 35 tons of metal discarded from substations. The “Gulf Power Towers” are still a popular dive and fishing location today.