Florida has one of the most active artificial reef programs among the 14 Gulf and Atlantic coastal states involved in artificial reef development. The Florida artificial reef program is the only artificial reef program that is not exclusively run at the state agency level.  In all other cases, state agencies hold all reef area permits. Starting in the 1940s through January 2017, more than 3,200 planned public artificial reefs have been placed in state and federal waters off Florida counties.
 
This study measures divers’ preferences for diving on the Florida Panhandle's artificial and natural reef system. The Navy and the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) currently have numerous ships that have been targeted for various disposal options, including sinking the ships as reefs. We are interested in understanding diver preferences for future actions that sink large-ships, effectively adding more artificial reefs to the existing system.
 
In order to measure the demand for artificial reefs, we must ask you questions related to your actual and anticipated trips to the Florida Panhandle to dive on the artificial and natural reef systems. This study is not intended for developing a fee structure for these sorts of dives. Instead, your responses will help us understand how to most effectively distribute available ships for establishing artificial reefs. 

As a thank you for completing the survey, if you would like one, you will be sent a fish identification card.  
 

Privacy Statement:  

Your participation is voluntary, but it is extremely important.  Researchers from the University of West Florida, Eckerd College, and Appalachian State University are conducting this study for artificial reef decision makers.  Uses of the information include evaluation of the attributes of different artificial reefs and the potential management of future sinkings. This survey does not ask for any information that identifies you personally.  General results from this survey will be available for distribution.  The survey should take an average time of 10 to 15 minutes to complete. If you have any questions, please contact Bill Huth at whuth@uwf.edu. Thank you for your time.