Become a Volunteer Reef Angler or Diver
Artificial Reef Volunteer Fishing & Diving Survey
Angler holding a black sea bass, a common
fish found on New York's artificial reefs.
The Artificial Reef Program is looking for volunteer anglers and divers to record and share their catches and marine life observations while visiting New York's artificial reefs.
Information provided by the public helps us better understand the:
- abundance of marine life on reefs,
- species that are being encountered,
- amount of fishing effort that is occurring, and
- collectively allows DEC to monitor the performance of the reefs.
This data is used to enhance fishing and diving opportunities in New York's marine waters by creating more effective reefs in the future. For example, if you frequently catch or view a specific species of fish on one type of reef structure or if you have a lack of success on another type of reef material, it is important to report this information so that DEC can determine the best types of reef materials to use in the future.
How to Participate
If you visit one of New York's artificial reefs and are interested in participating in the Artificial Reef Volunteer Fishing & Diving Survey (link leaves DEC website), download the Survey123 App (link leaves DEC website) on your smartphone or computer to submit a digital survey. You can also download the survey by using the camera on your smartphone or tablet to take a photo of the QR code below. This will prompt your device to 'Open' the survey in a browser or download the Survey123 App.
Artificial Reef Volunteer Survey QR Code
For detailed instructions on how to download and fill out the electronic survey, see the Artificial Reef Volunteer Survey123 Instructions (PDF).
All the information you provide is important supplemental reef monitoring data and helps NYSDEC effectively manage and enhance our artificial reefs.
Blackfish (tautog) swimming on Rockaway Reef.
Photo Credit: Dan Mundy
Please include as much information as possible, including all species encountered. Even if no fish or crustaceans are observed during your trip, please make sure to still submit a log. We greatly appreciate your time and effort and look forward to collaborating with you!
For more information, contact us by emailing: artificialreefs@dec.ny.gov.
