Behind the Scenes: Florida’s Leading Artificial Reef Program in Destin-Fort Walton Beach
Destin-Fort Walton Beach has earned a reputation as one of the top scuba diving destinations in Florida. Much of this success can be attributed to its expansive artificial reef program, which supports marine ecosystems, drives tourism, and creates unique dive experiences. The leadership and innovation behind this effort comes from the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Natural Resources Team. As a distinct division of the destination’s tourism organization, this dedicated team puts their professional expertise and unwavering passion for conservation to work year-round, to protect, restore, and enhance the region’s underwater environment.
With over 580 public artificial reef sites now located offshore, the area has become a magnet for divers, anglers, and marine research. This transformation did not happen by chance. It is the result of strategic planning, public and private collaboration, and the persistent dedication of a team that believes in combining ecotourism with sustainability.
Meet the Natural Resources Team Behind Florida’s Reef Program
The natural resources team manages the Destin-Fort Walton Beach artificial reef program and they apply their valuable experience from ecosystem and resource management to marine research and conservation to ensure maximum positive impact.
Leading the team is Natural Resources Chief Alex Fogg. Alex has broad experience in the natural resources field. From offshore field operations and research diving to lionfish removal, and artificial reef construction, the diversity of experience cant be understated. His leadership has helped transform Destin-Fort Walton Beach into a global diving destination while keeping ecological balance and sustainability as core priorities.
The team also includes professionals such as Mike Norberg, a NAUI Divemaster and Coastal Resources Manager with decades of scuba diving experience, and Jessica Valek, who oversees sea turtle conservation and public education programs. Together, the team develops projects that serve both the marine environment and the local community.
Destin-Fort Walton Beach Artificial Reefs: Recent Successes
Since 2019, the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Natural Resources Team has overseen the deployment of numerous large vessels and prefabricated artificial reef modules. These artificial reefs enhance fish populations and provide new sites for diving and research. Some of the most notable recent deployments include:
- M/V FANTASEA, a 144-foot retired casino boat, deployed in July 2025.
- M/V SPIRIT OF NORFOLK, a 188-foot-long former dinner cruise vessel deployed in June 2025.
- M/V SKIPPIN SUE, a 110-foot tugboat, deployed in June 2025 .
- R/V MANTA, a 180-foot research vessel deployed in January 2023
- R/V DOLPHIN, a 192-foot offshore vessel deployed in March 2023
- RMS ATLANTIS and RMS CYCLOPS, both deployed in April 2023
- R/V DEEP STIM III, Deployed in January 2024 as part of a tri-county project
- 3D-printed reef modules, a first-of-their-kind technology piloted in February 2024
- M/V MONARCH COUNTESS, a 360-foot offshore ferry, deployed in August 2024
Each reef site is carefully chosen based on environmental impact studies and long-term goals for marine biodiversity. The materials used are remediated or designed to be environmentally friendly and to attract reef-building organisms, providing immediate benefits for fish, invertebrates, and other marine species.
With over 580 public reef sites and more than 500 private sites, the network continues to grow, offering an increasingly diverse range of dive locations for beginning, intermediate and advanced divers.
Coming Soon: The SS United States Artificial Reef
In 2025, Destin-Fort Walton Beach is preparing for its most ambitious project to date, the creation of the world’s largest artificial reef. The SS United States, a historic 990-foot ocean liner, is being fully remediated prior to being deployed as a reef off the coast of Destin-Fort Walton Beach, Florida by the end of this year.
The ship is currently being prepared in Mobile, Alabama, under the supervision of environmental agencies. Hazardous materials such as wiring, fuel, and metal components are being removed, and structural modifications are underway to ensure that the vessel settles safely on the ocean floor. Openings will be created to allow marine life to move freely through the structure.
Once deployed, the SS United States will become the largest artificial reef in the world, offering unmatched diving opportunities and creating a thriving marine habitat. A land-based museum is also in development to help preserve the ship’s legacy and educate the public about its transformation.
Marine Conservation Beyond Reef Building
The artificial reef program is just one part of the team’s broad conservation strategy. Other key projects include:
- Emerald Coast Open: The world’s largest lionfish removal tournament.
- Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs): Designed to attract large pelagic species of fish like marlin, tuna and mahi-mahi.
- Sea Turtle Monitoring: Protecting these endangered species and educating locals and visitors about ongoing efforts.
- Marine Animal Movement and Research Projects: Lead and collaborate with research teams from around the world to study marine animal movements such as whale sharks, swordfish, tuna, sea turtles, rays, and redfish.
- Marine Debris Cleanup and Public Outreach: Promoting Environmental Stewardship by involving the public in these initiatives that also provide a behind the scenes look at our programs.
- Eco-tourism Development: Creating new hiking and paddling trails at more inland recreation locations.
NAUI and Destin-Fort Walton Beach: A Shared Mission for Marine Conservation
NAUI is proud to support the efforts of the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Natural Resources Team. Together, we promote ocean conservation, safe scuba diving practices, and environmental education through every dive and outreach effort.
By aligning scuba training with ocean protection, NAUI and our partners are creating a new model for sustainable adventure. Divers are not just explorers. They are stewards of the sea.
