Mississippi Gulf Fishing Banks, Inc.
Activity Report for the period
July 14, 2000 - August 10, 2000
Trip Summary
During this period, there were 2 dive monitoring trips and one video trip performed. On July 15, a trip was
made to FH-2 to make observations of rubble field 990709. On July 29, a trip was made to the Ladnier
Barge in FH-13, the recently deployed pipes in FH-2, and the Colle Tug Boat in FH-2. Additionally, a trip
was made on July 30 to the Von Rosenberg Reef and Jumbo Barge in FH-7 to take video.
990709 Rubble T's (ID=223F2)
Lat 30°05.251'N Long 88°34.474'W TD's: 12427.7 47044.1 29603.4
This rubble field was deployed on July 9, 1999 and consists of large pieces of concrete. It was desired to observe the
establishment of this reef after 1 year of exposure. Even though the structure is well within the established permitted reef area,
a shrimp net was still observed tangled on some of the rubble. Plant and barnacle growth is becoming well established and an
octopus was observed. Fish observations included 40-50 red snapper (1-5 lbs. ea.), 6-8 Gag Grouper (5-10 lbs. ea.), 5-8 Trigger
Fish (1-2 lbs. ea.), 2 Mangrove Snapper (1-2 lbs.), and a couple young Amberjack (4-6 lbs. ea.). Video taken shows the reef to be
progressing quite nicely.
970623 Will Ladnier Barge (ID=205F13)
Lat 30°02.723'N Long 88°31.873'W TD's: 12454.4 47033.8
This barge was sunk on June 23, 1997 and had observations made a few months before Hurricane Georges in 1998. Observations
post storm showed significant damage and this trip's intention was to determine how well it was making a come back. The
structural observations showed scouring and hull damage, but enough relief that the barge was still functioning as a reef. The
plant growth was slow to get established but several pieces of finger and other corals were noted to be more concentrated in
certain areas of the barge. The reason may be due to chemistry of the metals. Fittings seemed to promote more organic
attachments than the barge deck itself. This site should be well suited to some type of fabricated FAD to enhance it since the deck
itself is having trouble performing. Trawling may also be damaging the reef as a fresh trawl was noted entangled. Fish
observations included 30-40 Red Snapper (1-4 lbs. ea.), 5-7 Gag Grouper (3-6 lbs. ea.), 1 Warsaw Grouper (4 lbs.), 2 Sheepshead
(3-4 lbs. ea.), and 6-8 Flounder (1-3 lbs. ea.). Several smaller fish were sited as well that included Tom Tates, Cocoa Damsels, Sand
Bass, Hi Tops, and Soap Fish.
000510 Pipes & Rubble (ID=234F2)
Lat 30°05.232'N Long 88°33.701'W
This material was placed in FH-2 by Mississippi Power Company from
Plant Daniel. Since the material is relatively new, it was desired to
monitor its progress. Only a small amount of growth was noted, but there
were about 70-80 juvenile red snapper sited (10-12 inches each) and
several smaller ones (2-4 inches each). One small lone spade fish was
sited and 3 small Amberjack (16-19 inches each). Schools of Blue
Runners were also noted.
950809 Herman Colle Tug Boat (ID=147F2)
Lat 30°05.298'N Long 88°34.639'W TD's: 12426.7 47044.2
This Tug Boat was sunk on August 8, 1995 and sits upright in about 55 feet of water. The wheelhouse has been torn off the
superstructure (possibly by Hurricane Georges) and lays directly in front of the bow. The smoke stack still rises about 20 feet off
the bottom and makes this wreck an excellent dive. Small tropical Cocoa Damsels, Blue Angels, Sand Bass, Arrow Crabs, and
Spades (60-75 count) are dominant on this wreck. Game fish sightings include 40-50 Red Snapper (1-4 lbs. ea.), 11-14 Gag
Grouper (2-6 lbs. ea.), 30-40 Sheepshead (2-5 lbs. ea.), 6-9 Mangrove Snapper (1-6 lbs. ea.), and 1 Flounder (2 lbs.). In addition,
an Octopus was sighted and some excellent video taken of it. This seasoned reef is making an excellent habitat and diving reef.
000513 Von Rosenberg Reef (ID=236F7)
Lat 29°37.473'N Long 88°23.615'W TD's: 12539.2 46923.1-2 29590.7-6
This reef was sunk on May 13, 2000. On June 3, an attempt was made to get some early observations, but was not successful due
to poor visibility. Successful trips were performed on June 24, and July 30.
Although this reef landed inverted, it is attracting several juvenile red snapper and amberjack as well as an abundance of bait
fish such as Cigar Minnows and Blue Runners. It should prove to be a very effective reef over time. Some excellent early video
was taken of it as well as of the nearby Jumbo Barge which is showing an excellent coverage of game fish and bait fish.
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Email Author: Mark@primofish.com