Summary of Trips

Two trips were made during the fiscal month of April, 1993. On April 5, a trip was made to spot the creation of Rubble #8 in the Bill Walker site (FH-2). On April 8, a return trip was made to get initial video of the site and make observations of early development. Also on April 8, a dive was made on NW Barge "E" in FH-2, OR 3808. Routine observations were made.

FH-2 Rubble #8

Mississippi Power Company (MPCo), Plant Daniel, donated several flat and 'L' shaped slabs of concrete, as well as an 8' X 20' concrete culvert for this project. It was transported to the barge at Hans Construction by MPCo and loaded by Hans. The barge was moved to Terminal 'A' at the Port of Pascagoula where Jackson County assisted by moving and loading additional concrete from the old Sears Town Shopping Center in Pascagoula. Weather hampered progression of the project until April 5 when it was carried out and unloaded by Colle Towing.

It was desired to concentrate this concrete in one area, contrasting with Rubble 6 & 7, which were somewhat scattered. There was a strong westerly current, but Colle did a pretty good job of holding the Barge in position. The concrete was fairly well concentrated at 12433.2, 47044.5, and 29609.2. This places it toward the Central North area of the FH-2 site in about 55 feet of water. The least depth reading for this reef is 39 feet.

The follow up trip on April 8 revealed the reef void of life except for a single remora clinging to the towering culvert. The culvert landed vertically instead of horizontal which gives it more relief off the bottom, but prevents fish and divers from swimming through it. The top of the culvert is 39 feet below the surface. The concrete pile overall looks very promising. Several slabs landed on top of other concrete providing overhangs and similar grouper havens.

A quick dive was made on Barge "E" in FH-2. This is also referred to as the Northwest Barge and OR 3808. It was sunk on September 2, 1992 at 12425.5, 47044.3, 29601.4. Observations revealed an abundance of red snapper, triggers, and spades. A dozen or more snapper were in the 6-8 lb. class and 3 were in the 15-25 lb. class. This reef seems to show an accelerated performance in development when compared to previous barge sinkings and reef construction projects. One red snapper in the 8 lb. class was sighted dragging an old barnacle covered fish tag .