TEXAS GEMS -FREEPORT LIBERTY SHIP REEF COMPLEX
Site Description
Artificial Reef Complex – Six different reefs in 2640 ft by 2640 ft area, ½ square mile. COE permit # 15788 (05). OCS lease block GA-A22. Located in Brazoria County.
Freeport Liberty Ship Reef Complex (six structural reef names)
- V.A. Fogg (ship)
- HL&P Reef (300 one ton blocks)
- Star Reef (six rigs to reef)
- Conoco / Galveston County Reef (pipe structure)
- Two Liberty Ship Reefs
B.F Shaw
W.F Allen
Area of Influence:
Gulf of Mexico
Habitat Type:
Hard bottom – Artificial Reef Structures
Rare/Endangered Species:
The species best known to the Complex are sea turtles of all species and jew fish.
Breeding/Nursery Area:
The Complex is a breeding/nursing habitat for reef fish – red snapper, grouper – gag / scamp / rock hind, butterflyfish, cocoa damsel, juvenile blue angel,french angel, amberjack, blue runner, and triggerfish.
Forage Area:
The Freeport Liberty Ship Reef Complex as a whole is a forage area.
Migratory Species:
Important stopover for whale sharks, sharks, turtles, and dolphins.
Uniqueness of Natural Community:
The artificial reef structure provides substrate for natural encrusting organisms.
Archaeological and Cultural Significance:
Three Ships – V.A. Fogg
W.F.
Allen
B.F.
Shaw
Recreational Use:
Diving / fishing / photography
Land Ownership:
Texas Parks and Wildlife holds permit.
Minerals Management Service holds the lease.
Existing Monitoring Activities:
Video / photo transect
Traps – tag / release fisheries
Management Needs:
Increased monitoring needed of users.
Fish population monitoring.
Site Viability
Threats to Ecological Integrity:
Recreational and/or commercial over-fishing
Management Potential:
Continued changes to federal fishing regulations.
Change status to special management zone (state preserve).
Source of Information
TPWD Artificial Reef Program