In 2013 the dream of building an ongoing artificial reef system with limestone and concrete pyramid reef modules 15 NM east of Cocoa Beach came to fruition with a grant from Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). This grant was made possible with the support of Brevard County and matching funds from the CFOA Marine Foundation, Florida Sport Fishing Association (FSFA) and Coastal Conservation Association (CCA). The reef modules were first deployed in August 2015.  Each year since 2015, the CFOA Marine Foundation, FSFA and CCA each contributed the required $2,000 matching funds to the Brevard County FWC grant proposals for expanding the artificial reef system. The 6^th reef deployment occurred on September 30, 2021.

In 2014, the Space Coast Artificial Reef Advisory Board (SCARAB) was formally created to further the evolving efforts to grow the artificial reef system offshore of Brevard County to increase marine habitat to improve recreational fishing/diving opportunities and support associated local businesses. SCARAB consists of representatives from the Brevard County Boating and Waterways Program, CFOA Marine Foundation, FSFA and CCA. From SCARAB’s inception, Trish Reid, CFOA Conservation Director, represents CFOA as a board member on SCARAB.

SCARAB's Mission: The board exists in an advisory capacity only as each member is part of this board to further the best practices and evolving efforts to grow the artificial system offshore of Brevard County in an effort to increase habitat, increase recreation opportunities and raise awareness to the need to put more resources to good use for the recreational boater and supporting business and for hire charters that serve the recreational angler.

A Reef Within 3 Miles?

Currently SCARAB is working on the possibility of a 2.5 mile reef offshore of Cocoa Beach.  

Learn More About 2.5 Mile Reef