This is the first CCA REEF Louisiana project using “Super Reef” materials. CCA Louisiana VP of Habitat John Walther attended the reef installation and discussed this new project.

“We are very excited to utilize these super reef structures for the first time as we replace this lost habitat in South Timbalier 63,” said Walther. “Seeing the material up close, it is easy to see why fish and marine life will orient to these structures in short order.”

Alex Cheramie, Corporate Affairs at Chevron, discussed the project and the role her company played.

“Chevron is proud to partner with CCA on this exciting new reef, and we appreciate all the partners and volunteers who made it possible,” said Cheramie. “At Chevron, we have a commitment to Louisiana and its coastal communities, so we are pleased to do our part on efforts like this.”

Nick LeBlanc, Danos’ Coastal Restoration Operations Manager was also in attendance and explained the thinking behind the two reef-concept.

“These two locations will be studied to determine if snapper and other fish prefer the larger reef structures that are more vertical in the water column or the more plentiful, smaller structures,” explained. “This study will help determine which of these structures should be used in the future construction of artificial reefs.”

In addition to Chevron and Danos, funding for the South Timbalier 63 Reef comes from CCA’s REEF Louisiana Program along with matching funds provided by LDWF’s Artificial Reef Trust Fund.

CCA Executive Vice President of Development Rad Trascher was on hand as well and expressed appreciation for the partnerships that led to this accomplishment.

“We simply could not be out here building this habitat without our partners from Chevron, Danos, the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and Reefmaker,” he said. “It has been a pleasure collaborating with this entire team. Our shared commitment to our coast and our marine resources shines through on days like this.”

Mike McDonough, Artificial Reef Coordinator for LDWF, made the trip to the construction site.

“We are pleased to work with CCA, Chevron, Danos and our other partners once again on another great reef project,” said McDonough. “This is a perfect example of what can be accomplished when private industry joins forces with non-profits and state government to reach a goal.”

The South Timbalier 63 Reef is the 53rd unique artificial reef that CCA Louisiana has built overall, and the 5th completed this year. Earlier this year, CCA competed the Pelican Island Reef near Fourchon, the Ted Beaullieu Sr. Reef expansion in SMI 233, the West Cameron 82 reef south of Big Lake, and the Raising Cane’s Hotel Sid reef near Grand Isle. CCA also expects to complete reefs at South Timbalier 165, South Timbalier 86, and Goose Point in Lake Pontchartrain later this year. Plans call for 8 to 10 reefs in 2025 as well.

CCA’s REEF Louisiana Program is an initiative aimed at replacing lost fishery habitat, including where oil and gas platforms have been removed. The program uses custom-made reef materials and a variety of repurposed “materials of opportunity” to construct artificial reefs. Over the years, CCA has used items such as pieces of decommissioned oil and gas platforms, highway barriers, recycled structural concrete and crushed concrete.

Coordinates for South Timbalier 63 will be published on ccalouisiana.com once construction is completed. For more information about this reef or CCA Louisiana’s REEF Louisiana Program, contact Rad Trascher at (225) 952-9200.