Reefs Provided by
The Wickstrom
On January 21, 2003 the Wickstrom Reef was created. With over 50
private boats looking on, the ship previously known as the “Lady Laura,” “Tauros,” and U.S. Army FS
553, this 168 ft. coastal freighter started it's new life as a
haven for an abundant of deep-water marine species.
Florida Sportsman magazine founder and editor Karl Wickstrom and the
Martin County Anglers Club purchased the vessel, and its deployment
was a cooperative effort among Martin County and several marine and
diving organizations.
Given its depth, distance offshore and proximity to the strong
currents of the Gulf Stream, the Wickstrom is appropriate for blue
water anglers only. It is an advanced decompression wreck dive
requiring a helium/oxygen mix, and should not be attempted by
recreational divers.
This amazing deep water site hosts dozens of grouper, amberjack and
spadefish. Warsaw Grouper have also been spotted at this location.
In 2005, several Reefmaker units were added to the corridor between
the Wickstrom, Tree Barge and High Queen / Zeppo reef sites. These
units will add to the available growth structure.
Reef Specs:
Location: Lat. N27 13.492' , Lon. W80 00.318'
Depth: 188 feet 
Profile:
71 feet Materials: Steel freighter
Plans For
Upcoming Reefs
MCAC Reef Fund plans to keep contributing to the artificial reef program of Martin County. In the works is a series of small reefs with material consisting of concert, railroad ties and other "Fish Friendly" material.
In the near future the MCAC Fund will be funding the deployment of four towers, donated by Harbor Branch Oceanographic, in 200 feet of water. The location will be just south of the Wickstrom Reef which the fund deployed in 2003.
Martin County Reefs
Over the years Martin County has been very involved with artificial reef construction and monitoring. A close relationship with the Florida Oceanographic Society's (FOS) Reef Research Dive Team and local support groups has been a key to the program's success.
Click on the county crest above to visit Martin County Reefs
(www.martinreefs.com)