Coastal Conservation Association and CCA’s Lake Charles Chapter has begun construction on the Finfish II artificial reef located in Calcasieu Lake along with conservation partners Phillips 66 Lake Charles Manufacturing Complex, the CCA Building Conservation Trust, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Road Rock Recycling, and DLS Energy.
The reef will be an enhancement of the Finfish Reef which was constructed last year about 2 miles west of Commissary Point, in about 6 feet of water. The site is easily reachable with a short boat ride from numerous boat launches and marinas around Big Lake. In Phase II, CCA is deploying more than 1,500 tons of recycled crushed concrete over roughly 2-3 acres, adjacent to the original reef. Materials are being placed in a design intended to optimize bottom contours and water conditions. In these depths, it is likely that a diverse range of species could call the reef home, especially oysters, which have been diminished in Big Lake in recent years. Other species like specks, reds and flounder are sure to follow.
This is the 34th individual reef project CCA has completed since 2007, comprising 41 unique reefs across the Louisiana coast.
CCA and our partners will hold a dedication ceremony on Wednesday at 11AM at Calcasieu Point Landing. New reef coordinates will be published once construction and surveys are completed.