State Touts Work To Expand Artificial Reef In Barataria Bay

BARATARIA BAY, LA (AP) — An artificial reef meant to foster more fishing in Barataria Bay has grown in size.

         The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says that 6,700 tons of limestone was dumped on a barren water-bottom area north of Grand Terre Island in an effort to expand an artificial reef. The work was completed this week.

         The reef is being built where there was once a marsh island called Independence Island. The island has turned into a shoal. In 2011, the state and the Coastal Conservation Association of Louisiana teamed up to build an artificial reef there.

         The new limestone has created two underwater mounds that will serve as a shelter and habitat for species like redfish, speckled trout, black drum, sheepshead and flounder.