Ryan Collins
The Cape Cod Salties, a sport fishing organization that dates back to 1962, has a plan to enlarge the Yarmouth Tire Reef, also called the "Tire Pile."
The Salties are going to enlarge the reef by adding demolition debris from the bridge that once carried the railroad over the northern part of Bass River, between Yarmouth and Dennis.
The Salties and I are very excited about this new project, so I figured today would be a great time to share with you the details behind the enlargement project, and how you might be able to help.
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Project Details
The Yarmouth artificial reef is permitted for 125 acres, however only a one-acre portion of that area is currently being used.
This new project spearheaded by the Salties would include deployment of 3,000 cubic yards of approved material (granite blocks, boulders and concrete) to enhance and enlarge the Yarmouth Artificial Reef, which is located about 2.2 miles south of Bass River in Nantucket Sound.
This one-acre portion was improved in 1996 when additional tires were added to the artificial reef, but the expansion that is now being proposed would be far more environmentally friendly, according to C. Randall Sherman, vice president of the Cape Cod Salties.
The artificial reef south of Yarmouth is home to lobster and a variety of fish, like the tautog (also called blackfish) shown above.
The permitting process is now complete, and the project has been granted by the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries.
Now, the goal is to raise the money needed to move the railroad bridge debris from its current resting spot, out onto the water to the reef site.
Juvenile black sea bass (like the one pictured above) are great sport especially for young anglers, and are commonly caught at the Yarmouth artificial reef.
This new project to improve and expand the reef is estimated to cost over $150,000.00. This price tag includes the use of a large crane barge, multiple excavators and rock hauling trucks.
All of the materials are being donated by the towns of Dennis and Yarmouth, and the Robert B. Our and Acme/Shorey Companies.
Donations to the CC Salties Foundation are tax deductible and greatly appreciated. They can be mailed to the Foundation at P.O. Box 1183, S. Dennis, MA 02660.
All donations received will be put toward this project, and similar future marine enhancement projects.
Any questions can be sent to the CC Salties Chairman, C. Randall Sherman, at [email protected].
Where is the reef?
Can someone provide the waypoints?
Hey Mike ?
The coordinates of the reel are included in the chart within this blog post. The chart is located above after the 5th paragraph.
Ryan,
Thanks for your support and the great posting for the Salties Foundation.
Ken Whiting
No problem Ken. I am looking forward to seeing how this new project unfolds. Exciting stuff!