North Carolina Updates Artificial Reef Mapping Tool

The state provides detailed coordinates and material data for its 47 coastal artificial reef sites.

Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Aquariums

Screen-print poster illustration of stacked concrete reef materials resting on a sandy ocean floor, representing North Carolina's artificial reef program. — The North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries has updated its interactive mapping tool, providing precise coordinate data for 47 state-managed artificial reef sites. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you support using recycled concrete to build artificial reefs in your local coastal waters?

The North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries maintains an interactive mapping tool that tracks 47 artificial reef sites across the state. This digital resource provides specific coordinate data and material information for habitats built using recycled concrete.

Why it matters

The program helps residents and maritime enthusiasts locate and understand the composition of marine habitats developed along the coast. By offering transparent data on these sites, the state facilitates access to areas designed to foster aquatic biodiversity.

The North Carolina Artificial Reef Program has created 1,100 acres of habitat since the 1970s. This includes specific sites like AR-340, which sits in 60 feet of water seven miles southeast of Bogue Inlet.

The players

North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries

This state agency is responsible for the stewardship of marine resources and the management of coastal artificial reef projects.

The details

The program utilizes recycled concrete, including pipe and old dock sections, to construct stable underwater environments. Site AR-340 alone consists of a 0.5-acre pile of concrete materials placed on the seafloor in 2007.

The Artificial Reef Program began operations in the 1970s.
The construction materials at site AR-340 were placed in 2007.

Culture Shift

This initiative reflects a broader movement toward utilizing recycled materials for environmental restoration and habitat creation. It highlights the transition of coastal management from purely protective measures to active, data-driven ecological engineering.

Residents and boaters can use the interactive map to identify reef coordinates for navigation and recreational purposes. The data allows for a better understanding of underwater structures, helping users identify prime areas for marine observation.

The takeaway

Maintaining transparency regarding public infrastructure allows the community to engage more effectively with coastal conservation efforts. Utilizing these official digital resources ensures that visitors have accurate and updated information when planning their trips to coastal waters.