Cape Cod Bay Reefs Habitat Revitalization Project

In Lieu Fee Program Project Fact Sheet for construction Cape Cod Bay reef habitat off Brewster and Dennis, Massachusetts.

Description of habitat construction for reefs in Cape Cod Bay off Brewster and Dennis, Massachusetts.

Quick facts

ILF Funding: $931,105

ILF Service Area: Coastal-Central

Project Location: Brewster, MA (latitude: 41.7830787, longitude: -70.13116056) and Dennis, MA (latitude: 41.78747187, longitude: -70.13116056)

Project summary

The Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) requested In-Lieu Fee funding to construct two reefs in Cape Cod Bay. DMF is working with the towns of Brewster and Dennis on this project. The sites are located about two miles offshore from Sesuit Harbor. DMF selected these two sites based on survey and photographs. Each site is 15 acres. DMF will add structures in a 5.2-acre footprint on each site. They will follow an established plan for construction and management. DMF will use stone or repurposed concrete to create structures. They will deploy the materials in piles to promote habitat diversity. This is DMF's first reef project in Cape Cod Bay. They have five other reef projects to date.

Ecological attributes

• Cape Cod Bay is designated as critical habitat and an area of interest for new reefs.
• The project will benefit fish and other marine life.