ABSTRACT
Organizations with statewide purview have taken steps to facilitate reef-building at the local level, so that presently a working network exists to serve growing demand for reefs. This chapter addresses the evolution of that network, and analyzes significant accomplishments and remaining needs for the purpose of providing insights applicable to emerging reef programs in the Great Lakes region. In a diverse temperate and subtropical marine environment that already includes 185 or more charted natural reefs, a multitude of fishing interests have constructed at least 173 major artificial reefs in Florida. The network of Sea Grant Marine Advisory Program agents, operating through the Florida Cooperative Extension Service, has worked with reef-related audiences and the team to enhance the effectiveness of their exchanges. The fishery productivity of not only oil rigs but also other newly-used materials, whether designed for a site or acquired opportunistically, will require study. Biological research must be accompanied by economic analysis of reef costs and benefits.
