This week, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries in partnership with Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) of Louisiana, Shell Oil, and the Building Conservation Trust (CCA's National Habitat Program), will begin construction on a new artificial reef, located in the St. John Parish portion of Lake Pontchartrain.
The reef will be named “Vincent Matherne Reef” in honor of the late Vincent Matherne, a founding member of CCA’s River Parishes Chapter and a life-long outdoorsman and conservation leader.
The new reef will be located in the southwestern-most portion of Lake Pontchartrain close to where I-10 and I-55 merge. It will be constructed of approximately 4,000 tons of limestone in the 10-acre reef site. Its proximity to Frenier Landing will make it accessible to anglers using a variety of vessels. In an effort to increase the complexity of the reef, the reef material will be deployed in parallel rows, each no greater than two feet in height. The reef is expected to be completed next week and an increased presence of fish could occur as soon as spring or summer of next year.
Lake Pontchartrain is comprised mainly of soft-mud water bottom. The hard substrate being introduced will provide habitat for animals such as barnacles to attach, and will provide refuge for crabs and small fish in the crevices of the limestone. Artificial reef projects have proven to provide exceptional fish habitat, and are popular amongst recreational anglers.
Funding for the project will be provided through the department’s Artificial Reef Development Fund, CCA’s Building Conservation Trust, Shell Oil, as well as in-kind donations and services from Pontchartrain Materials.
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is charged with managing and protecting Louisiana’s abundant natural resources. For more information, visit us atwww.wlf.la.gov. To receive LDWF email alerts, signup at http://www.wlf.la.gov/signup.