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)

Area of Influence:

Gulf of Mexico

Ecological and Cultural Characteristics

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

Current and Potential Use of the Site

Recreational Use:

Diving / fishing / photography

Management Status

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