|
The Organization for Artificial Reefs, Inc. is a private, 501(c)(3)
nonprofit group of marine enthusiasts and artificial reef advocates
based in Tallahassee, Florida. Founded in 1985, OAR serves the
recreational saltwater fishing industry of Florida's Big Bend Gulf
Coast by promoting the professional development of public artificial
reefs.
Since 1987, OAR has created or enhanced 23 named reefs in the Big
Bend Gulf and has extensively refurbished four other large manmade
marine habitats in the region. This work has cost in excess of
$500,000 that OAR has raised directly or indirectly for reef
development.

OAR is made up of a dues-paying membership base and a rigorous group
of volunteers. The organization is governed by a non-paid board of
directors which holds regular meetings open to all members. OAR
works with cities and counties as well as state and federal
governments and strives to operate at every level as a professional
organization, as opposed to a club. The organization also keeps
close ties with local and state marine research activities through
contacts with other artificial reef groups and the academic
community.
OAR supports itself through membership dues, grants, donations, sale
of promotional items and proceeds raised by
The Big Bend Saltwater Classic.
The BBSC is held annually and is the Big Bend Gulf's largest,
professionally run fishing tournament. The tournament is
headquartered in the port city of Carrabelle, FL in Franklin County
and held each Fathers Day Weekend.
Central to OAR's operations is the
Research Dive Team.
The RDT is a group of specially trained divers who conduct the
underwater work essential to the creation of artificial reefs. The
RDT recruits new divers with advanced certifications through annual
training classes held in March. All of OAR's projects are
inherently tied to work performed by the RDT. The RDT is tasked
with planning, permitting, design, placement and monitoring of OAR's
artificial reefs.
OAR is a staunch advocate of responsibly designed and deployed
artificial reefs. Artificial reefs serve to enhance a variety of
marine life to promote biodiversity in the marine ecosystem. They
also increase saltwater recreational opportunities by providing
alternative locations for sportfishing and sportdiving enthusiasts.
OAR is dedicated to using the best science and technologies
available to create professionally engineered artificial marine
habitats.
|