Lee County divers are very fortunate to have an active and interested Department of Natural Resources who are responsible for many functions relating to our Southwest Florida marine environment. 

Some of their jobs include removal of derelict vessels, beach renourishment, placing and maintaining markers and regulatory buoys and signs, boating safety information and their very involved Artificial Reef Program.

As of April 2002, there were 23 inshore & offshore artificial reefs of various types.  The low profile reefs are designed to attract snapper & grouper and high profile reefs (tall structures) attract pelagic species such as amberjack.  Some of the reefs are concrete sections and some such as the Pegasus are boats that were intentionally sunk.  The funding comes from grants and other sources and not from our county taxes - the DNR works hard to find the money and get the permits in place for the program.

For more information check the website at:

Lee County Department of Natural Resources & Artificial Reef Information