Artificial Reefs
Artificial Reefs are constructed from various materials ranging from geotex tubes to hollow cement spheres. Here again there have been successful projects abd there have been total failures. Certainly hiring the best engineering companiers who specialize in off shore artificial reefs will increase the likelyhood of success.
Artificial reefs are supposed to moderate weave amd current energy to slow the process of beach erosion. The best designs appear to
promote sand accretion.
Artificial reefs are expensive but perhaps less expensive than priodic hopper dredging.
Artificial reefs are popular with surfers as the reefs promote good sufing waves that expend their energy before reaching shore and causing erosion.
.Florida reportedly has the largest complement of permitted artificial reefs in the nation. These reefs have been shown to be beneficial to the local economies. The studies reviewed above show that artificial reefs do increase economic activity in surrounding communities. Artificial reefs are valued by users and non-users alike. Artificial reefs provide benefits that exceed costs. Artificial reefs may be an effective tool for redirecting use away from natural reefs if such an management objective is required. Overall, artificial reefs are a source of economic value that may justify additional deployments, even after taking into account the opportunity costs associated with scarce public funds.
Artificial reefs might work at the Islander Club and they might be part of a solution at the north end of Longboat Key.