Abstract:
Artificial reefs are used to increase fish habitats and areas for sports fishing by providing shelter and food. The idea is to attract smaller fish, and the larger ones will naturally follow. Building materials for reefs include automobile tires and sunken vessels. North Carolina's artificial saltwater reefs are located at Atlantic Beach, Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, and Lockwood's Folly Inlet. Reefs at Carolina and Wrightsville beaches were constructed with sunken vessels.