For the second consecutive year, Destin High School’s Fishing Program ventured into the Gulf of Mexico to witness the deployment of artificial reefs, expanding their commitment to marine conservation and improving fisheries for years to come.
- On Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2024, students and community members aboard the Destination, captained by Stan Philips, watched as 14 new reefs were lowered into the waters of Fish Haven 20, just a couple of miles off the beach.
The site, now known as Destin High School Reef 2024, sits in about 65 feet of water, making it accessible for smaller boats and the students themselves.
Each artificial reef, standing 8 feet tall with a 9-foot triangular base, represents more than just an environmental initiative. They serve as underwater memorials and tributes, personalizing the school’s contribution to the local marine ecosystem.
- “Our deepest thanks to all who donated, to each person who supports our Fishing Program and to the Destin community, who ALWAYS shows up for our Shark family,” the school wrote on Facebook.
The project, a collaboration between the school’s thriving Fishing Education Program — which boasts 138 students this year — and Okaloosa County, was funded through a spring fundraiser that raised $10,000, matched by the county.
Captain Brandy Miles, who helps lead the Fishing Program with Capt. Mike Parker, emphasized the hands-on approach students take in creating these reefs. Weeks before traveling to Reefmaker in Orange Beach, Alabama, the class studies artificial reefs and various underwater structures. Then, they make the trip to physically build and personalize the reefs themselves.
- “When we go over to Reefmaker, my students are the ones pouring the concrete and laying all the limestone in it,” Miles explained. “They also incorporate any memorabilia that families want to include.”
This active participation, Miles noted, gives students a deeper connection to the project and a greater understanding of marine conservation efforts.
This personalization was particularly poignant for two memorial reefs. One honored Tucker Reese, a 9-year-old local baseball player whose loss deeply affected the Destin community. Tucker passed away on March 18, 2024, following a tragic ATV accident. Known for his extraordinary talent on the baseball field and infectious spirit, Tucker’s memory continues to inspire.
The Reese family, including Tucker’s parents Travis Reese and Edyta Jaworska, were actively involved in the reef’s creation. “It was so beautiful to watch that family lay the memorabilia in there,” Captain Miles reflected. “His mom, his dad, his extended family, his brother, everybody was there building the reef. It was really awesome.”
Another reef memorialized Jonathan Hughes, a “Shark Dad”, whose child attends Destin High School. Both families were present to witness the tribute and participate in the reef creation.
- A local sign company in Fort Walton Beach creates metal signs with names for each reef, which students then set into the concrete.
“For my students to be able to participate hands-on and to see that they’re actually the ones building these reefs, it just brings a whole new respect for conservation to them,” Miles added.
Alex Fogg, Okaloosa County Natural Resources Chief, played a crucial role in the project, matching the school’s fundraising efforts and collaborating on the reef deployment. Fogg’s involvement extends beyond financial support, as he also speaks to Miles’ classes, offering students insights into potential career paths in coastal resource management.
“This initiative first started as a few lectures in the classroom and quickly snowballed into a full blown artificial reef project,” said Fogg. “There are no other initiatives like it and we look forward to seeing how this project grows in 2025.”
The 11 of the 14 reefs were named in honor of various individuals and entities:
- Tucker Reese
- Fred Tolbert Jr
- Johnathan Hughes
- Margaret Finkel
- Jackie Gibson
- Dick and Peggy
- Wild Willy’s (not memorial)
- Hayden, Connolly, Bennett, Gannon (not memorial)
- Jett Tolbert (not memorial)
- Timothy Meserve
- Louis Thomas
The impact of this project extends beyond the classroom. Miles, one of the few female charter boat captains in the Destin charter fleet, sees the program as addressing multiple needs in the community.
“There’s a dire need for the next generation in the fishing industry,” she explained. “Our program allows us to work alongside the Coastal Resource Team on artificial reef projects, promoting conservation in our area and sustaining the fishery. A big part of it is getting these kids outdoors, encouraging them to spend time on the water with their families. This program brings so many benefits to our area.”
As Destin High School continues to expand its artificial reef project, it aims to create a designated area known for its educational and environmental contributions. The school welcomes community support through donations to the fishing program and participation in future fundraising events, ensuring that this unique blend of education, conservation, and community remembrance continues to grow.
Coordinates here:https://www.destinfwb.com/explore/ecotourism-hotspots/artificial-reefs/
