A "Reef" consists of two "Chicken Transfer Cages" (we call them coops) which are chained together.  The "coops" meet Okaloosa County standards for "Reef Material", and they are deployed in the Gulf of Mexico in pre-approve locations.

The following pictures show the delivery and cleaning process for the January through March (2007) Deployments.

The Coops are delivered on a flatbed truck.

Two Coops are lifted at a time and transferred to the storage yard.

Kelly on the forklift.

Capt Bubb gets ready.

Step 1:  Remove the center support to gain access to the fiberglass shelves.

Step 2:  Remove fiberglass shelves.

Step 3:  Chain the Coops together at opposite corners.

Teamwork makes the job much easier!

Group picture of the "Drop 2" cleaning crew

3 or 4 guys per reef (2 coops) makes the work easier

Dean Chains a Corner

Dean and John pull a "shelf"

Wayne and Ladder

Steve throws sparks

Stone pulls a shelf

  To put this into perspective. . . Candy's Reef Project has dropped nearly 30 tons of  reef material in a 3 month period.

Group picture of the "Drop 3" Cleaning crew

Coop Deployment #1

These Artificial Reefs were deployed on 19 January 2007

ECRA Private Reef owners on the dock prior to deployment.

Stern of deployment boat "Michael Scott" with our load of coops

In the Wheelhouse

ECRA Members: Steve & Wayne

Capt. Steve taking a break between launches.

Preparing for a deployment

Steve gives it a try, but he forgot his gloves

Candy remembered her gloves, but can't quite get the coop overboard

The professionals take over

 Going. . .

Going . . .

Gone!

Going Home

Coop Deployment #2

These Artificial Reefs were deployed on 6 February 2007

Candy made the Deployment possible !!!

Debbie, Wayne, Candy, David

Capt Kelly Windes

Team work!

Once again:

   Going. . ..

Going. . .

Gone!

Headed Back to Destin

It's always a Long Ride Home!