Andrew "Red" Harris Reef Foundation - Reef Deployment - Jupiter
The Andrew “Red” Harris Reef Foundation is a Jupiter based foundation dedicated to enhancing the marine environment. Memories of Andrew “Red” Harris are of a promising, vibrant and loving young man. The native Jupiter resident loved his family and friends dearly, as well as fishing and diving in ocean waters. Tragically, Andrew was struck by a boat while saving a friend's life snorkeling June 8, 2014.
The Andrew "Red" Harris Foundation hopes to assist protecting the wellbeing and vitality of our local ocean waters by building artificial reefs. The artificial reefs are donated to the Palm Beach County Artificial Reef Program. The Army Corps of Engineers have already issued the permits for placement sites in the ocean off Jupiter’s coastline.
The natural ocean ecosystems have been brutally impacted by years of coastal development. The decrease of eco-habitats has impacted marine life and coral reefs. Coral reef development occurs only in areas with specific environmental characteristics: a solid structure for attachment, relatively warm water temperatures, clear waters low in phosphate and nitrogen nutrients, and moderate wave action to disperse waste and bring oxygen and plankton to the reef. Creating new habitats will counterbalance the pressure placed on natural reefs.
If you have an interest in safeguarding the sustainability of our local marine environment consider supporting the cause. For more information, please visit the Andrew "Red" Harris Reef Foundation.
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