SC Memorial Reef Projects
Avid offshore fishing enthusiasts know that the state of SC suffers from a lack of natural habitat to attract and hold fish. Thanks to the South Carolina Memorial Reef projects, what was largely a desert is now one of the most productive areas off our coast. The reef is an ideal location for holding pelagics while creating spawning habitat for bottom snapper grouper species. We invite you to learn about our South Carolina Memorial Reef projects below. The difference this could make in our fishery is profound and an opportunity that may not happen again in our lifetimes.
Deployment of the M/V Coastal Venture
The M/V Coastal Venture bore a tremendous weight as she took her final trip on June 1, 2022, one that sent her to the depths of the ocean to support life after life as the newest addition to the South Carolina Memorial Reef. That great weight did not come from any steel, concrete, or other tangible materials. Instead, the M/V Coastal Venture carried the mournful yet beautiful burden of many heavy hearts. While the 247-ft vessel will serve as critical habitat for snapper and grouper, as well as pelagic species like billfish, she will also forever honor the men and women memorialized at the reef. This new reef structure is a perpetual reminder of those we’ve loved and lost in South Carolina’s sportfishing community.
This particular structure will be named after a wonderful captain who was taken from us far too soon. Next time you’re trolling above the newly established site, take great pride and comfort in knowing that you’re not alone. A very special man will be there in spirit to help you wrangle countless billfish. We are honored to formally announce the David Redd Reef.
We’d also like to thank Stevens Towing for their diligence, patience, and care throughout this long process. It took roughly ten hours for the M/V Coastal Venture to sink and the crew remained steadfast in their careful watch and assistance. In addition, we are grateful to Metal Trades and staff with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources for their craftsmanship with various adornments, such as a cross memorializing lost loved ones, a billfish, and a plaque fixed to the stern and pilot house.
None of this would have been possible without the generosity of many anonymous and named donors. Thank you for your immense show of support! Fundraising efforts will continue over the next several months as we work toward our overall project goal.
Also, thank you to the Sea Fix crew – Capt. JT, Frank, and Alberto – and the Johnson family for the opportunity for Governor’s Cup staff to go offshore and watch this momentous event.
Photography Credit: Cameron Rhodes, The Buckskin Billfish
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M/V Coastal Venture Sunk in 2022 to Become Part of the SC Memorial Reef
The M/V Coastal Venture was deployed in the Charleston Deep Reef MPA on June 1, 2022 to become part of the SC Memorial Reef. | Photography Credit: Cameron Rhodes, The Buckskin Billfish
The M/V Coastal Venture, also known as the David Redd Reef, is a large and complex structure that will provide habitat for a diversity of species. The numerous internal compartments will offer refuge for smaller juvenile fish, while the extensive cargo holds will be useful to larger fish. The vast amount of surface area will allow for expansive invertebrate settlement and growth, which can serve as sanctuaries for larval fish, provide food for juvenile and adult fish, and improve overall water quality. The incredible size of the ship will also lead to substantial upwelling, suspending nutrients into the water column and attracting baitfish and the pelagic species that feed on them.
Highway 41 Swing Bridge Sunk in 2017 to Continue Building the Reef
The former South Carolina Highway 41 swing bridge hit the bottom of the ocean on October 27th, 2017 to build upon the habitat already started for the Deep Reef in 2014. | Photography Credit: SCDNR R/V Palmetto
The first swing bridge that was secured for the South Carolina Memorial Reef was from Highway 41. It was placed on top of a 130 X 32 X 12 foot barge and placed within the Charleston Deep Reef MPA in 2017. The vertical structure has helped to attract even more imperiled deep-water snapper grouper species, as well as the pelagic fish that South Carolina Governor’s Cup Billfishing Series participants target.
Two Barges Sunk in 2014 to Initiate Building of the Charleston Deep Reef
The original structures that were sunk in the ocean to start the building of the Charleston Deep Reef in 2014 was constructed of two barges, a crane and a truck chassis. | Photography Credit: SCDNR R/V Palmetto
The Charleston Deep Reef Project was originally going to be built from the scraps of the old Cooper River bridges. Since those structures were ultimately unavailable, the building of the reef was initiated in 2014 with two 270 foot long barges, a large crane and a truck chassis that were found to build the reef. Stevens Towing / Metal Trades stored the materials, created the structure and towed the artificial reef to the site.