Two artificial reefs were constructed in the St . Johns River in December 2014 by the City of Jacksonville ( COJ ) in partnership with the Coastal Conservation Association ( CCA ). These river reefs are named the CCA Reef and the George Holt Reef and mark a new chapter in reef deployment in northeast Florida . Never before have reefs been constructed in the St . Johns River and this is the first time artificial reefs have been deployed inshore in the state of Florida .
Researchers at the Marine Science Research Institute ( MSRI ) at Jacksonville University are constantly collecting data to determine the health and growth status of the reefs and determine if this is something we can implement all over the state of Florida . As part of the data collection , the MSRI is hosting the River Reefs Fishing Tournament as a way to get the public involved and spread more awareness of the two new reefs . It is also a way to collect as much data as possible . This will be a semiannual series , so there will be a tournament every fall and spring . The tournament is completely free and prizes will be awarded to the person / team that catches the greatest number of fish , the greatest species diversity , and the greatest total inches caught . All prizes will be supplied by Hooked Up Magazine . The first tournament will start this fall and last from Sept 5-Oct 31 . Download the free iAngler Tournament app , register today for free , and start fishing ! For more information , visit the following website , or contact Bridgette Ward at riverreefs @ ju . edu ( 239 ) 246-5595
https :// ianglertournament . com / node / 2176
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