Tessie Steel Boat

About: Tessie Steel Boat

The Tessie Steel Boat Artificial Reef: A Marine Haven in Florida’s State Waters

Located in Florida’s state-controlled waters, the Tessie Steel Boat Artificial Reef is a well-established underwater structure that serves as a vital habitat for marine life. Resting at a depth of 79 feet, the Tessie is a 40-foot-long steel vessel that was deliberately sunk to create a thriving artificial reef. With a 10-foot relief from the seabed, this steel boat offers a rich environment for various marine species, enhancing the local ecosystem and providing prime opportunities for divers and anglers alike.

The Structure: The Tessie Steel Boat

The Tessie, a 40-foot steel boat, was intentionally deployed to enhance the marine habitat in the area. Over time, the boat’s steel hull has become encrusted with marine organisms, transforming it into a vibrant reef. The 10-foot vertical relief provides ample space for colonization, while the boat’s compartments, open areas, and structural features create ideal shelter and breeding grounds for fish and invertebrates.

The Tessie’s design makes it accessible for diver exploration. Its structure allows for easy navigation around the exterior, with some open sections offering limited penetration opportunities for more experienced divers. Known for its good visibility, the site is a popular spot for underwater photography and marine life observation.

Marine Life and Ecological Impact

The Tessie Steel Boat Artificial Reef supports a diverse array of fish species, making it a vibrant and productive habitat. Key species commonly found around this reef include:

• Red Snapper: The Tessie provides an ideal environment for Red Snapper, a species that thrives around artificial reefs. The structure offers ample hiding spots and feeding opportunities for these highly prized game fish.
• Gray Snapper: Also known as Mangrove Snapper, these adaptable fish are frequently seen around the Tessie, utilizing the boat’s structure for shelter and hunting.
• Gag Grouper: Often found near the deeper areas around the boat’s hull, Gag Grouper use the Tessie as cover and a hunting ground for smaller fish and crustaceans.
• Sheepshead: Recognizable by their striped appearance and strong jaws, Sheepshead are commonly found grazing on the encrusting organisms that grow on the Tessie’s steel hull, adding to the site’s ecological diversity.
• Gray Triggerfish: These hardy fish are well-suited to the conditions around the Tessie, often hovering near the structure, feeding on small invertebrates and enjoying the protection it offers.
• Spadefish: Spadefish are known to gather in schools around the Tessie, attracted to the structure’s vertical relief and the abundance of food sources.

Site Details and Diving Conditions

At a depth of 79 feet, the Tessie Steel Boat Artificial Reef is accessible to a broad range of divers, from intermediate to advanced. The site is also a popular spot for recreational fishing, providing an ideal environment for many sought-after species. The relatively shallow depth allows for longer bottom times and better light penetration, enhancing visibility and overall diving experience.

The Tessie’s location in state waters makes it a frequented site by both local and visiting anglers and divers. Its manageable size and structure offer a rewarding dive, giving enthusiasts a close-up view of the marine life that has made this artificial reef its home.

Conclusion

The Tessie Steel Boat Artificial Reef is a significant asset to Florida’s underwater environment. Its steel structure has evolved into a thriving habitat for a variety of fish species, including Red Snapper, Gray Snapper, Gag Grouper, Sheepshead, Gray Triggerfish, and Spadefish. Located at a depth of 79 feet, this artificial reef offers excellent opportunities for diving and fishing, playing a crucial role in the preservation and enhancement of marine life in the region.