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Artificial Reefs Coming To San Diego Bay

Work begins this week on a project to install 350 artificial reef structures off the shoreline of Bayside Park in Chula Vista. It's part of a project to increase fish populations in the bay. KPBS Envi

Artificial Reefs Coming To San Diego Bay

Work begins this week on a project to install 350 artificial reef structures off the shoreline of Bayside Park in Chula Vista. It's part of a project to increase fish populations in the bay. KPBS Reporter Ed Joyce has details.

The Port of San Diego says the reef structures will provide additional habitat for fish and other sea life in the bay.

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The idea is to increase species population by providing hiding places from predators.

Divers from an environmental consulting firm will install the structures in bundles on the seafloor.  

The structures resemble large versions of jacks, the children's game that uses six-pointed metal pieces.

Called "a-jacks," the structures are made from concrete and are two feet wide and weigh 78 pounds each.

When the project is finished, the Port says there will be about 35 artificial reefs that measure three feet tall and four feet in diameter.

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Officials say numerous species of fish are expected to use the reefs within three to six months.  

The $30,000 reef structures project was approved by the Board of Port Commissioners in October.  

Ed Joyce, KPBS News.