2. Artificial Reef Program A WIN for Our Ecosystem, a WIN for Our Economy!

3. A Boom for Economic Development Deploy 36 artificial reefs off the Coast of Naples/Marco/Collier County. Pay for the reefs with a mix of grant monies and private donor funds- no taxpayer funds Increase fish population. Create a destination recreation environment. Secured 1.35 million in BP Funds for tourism and seafood promotion.

4. The History Artificial reefs are not a new coastal management tool. 1940s: Japanese began sinking ships to attract fish. 1950s: Attempts to build reefs in FL and CA to determine increases in fish population is SUCCESSFUL! Early reefs provided trial and error and now we can benefit from best practices for deployment. Source: Dr. Heyward Matthews

6. The Current Coastline Our sandy bottom offers little food or habitat for most species. Existing reefs have poor water clarity, are overharvested, and in poor condition. Current reef locations are close to shore; depths and locations for fishing and diving are not optimal. Source: Dr. Heyward Matthews

7. The Eco-Conclusion Biologists accept that these man-made reefs can actually support a larger total fish population than a natural reef. The fact that the fish find suitable habitat on the coral reef is coincidental. Artificial reefs when properly sited and constructed, will actually increase the total food production of the water column for hundreds if not thousands of years. Source: Dr. Heyward Matthews

15. The Eco-Conclusion Within two hours, life begins to form around artificial reef structures. Within two years a reef is fully mature Within the first year of deployment of the U.S. Mohawk, SW Florida is seeing marine species it hasn’t seen in decades. Source: Dr. Heyward Matthews

20. The Economics 2011 study by Florida Sea Grant and University of Florida researchers looked at (6) six Southwest Florida counties determining the following: Users of artificial reefs generated 2,600 jobs and spent $253 million in the region annually. In Lee County alone: 1,350 people use artificial reefs daily bringing in 575 jobs and $60 million per year.

21. The Economics Artificial Reefs attract high-dollar fishing tournaments promoted outside of the area. Conservative estimates, utilizing the University of Florida Sea Grant formula, indicates a $30+ million dollar return on investment. Source: ERTF Artificial Reef Program Business Plan June, 2012

22. The Economics Recreational fishing is big business, generating more than $115 billion in economic output and more than 828,000 jobs. If sportfishing were a corporation, it would rank 51 on the Fortune 500™ list. The economic contributions of recreational fishing have grown steadily over the last several decades. Source: American Sportfishing Association

23. Secrets To Success Planning – World Class Master Plan for 36 Artificial Reefs: six clusters of six permitted sites measuring one- quarter mile by one-quarter mile – Dr. Heyward Matthews; international expert Community Support – Local business leaders – Elected officials – Fishing and diving community

28. Secrets To Success Implementation – Mapping of 36 artificial reefs- Master Plan – Development of 6 reef permits – Submission of 6 reef permits simultaneously by Naples/Marco/Collier County – One coordinated Request For Proposal (RFP) for use by Naples/Marco/Collier County – Reef materials collection by Collier County and private construction and demolition companies for use by Naples/Marco/Collier County Evaluating Project’s Success/Compliance Monitoring – Fishing and diving community

29. Master Plan- Artificial Reef Locations

30. Alliance with the Community Foundation of Collier County There are six business or family legacy opportunities; minimum ‘tax deductible’ contribution of $100,000.00. There is an unlimited opportunity for purchase of artificial reef modules; minimum ‘tax deductible’ contribution of $2500.00. All levels of ‘tax deductible’ contributions are welcomed. Contributions can be made at: www.cfcollier.org/artificial -reef-fund

31. World Class Artificial Reef Program For Our Economy – 30+ million in incremental tourism dollars! For Our Ecosystem – Creation of new and growing habitats! For a Destination to New Recreation – Put SW Florida on map for new visitors/events!

32. The Win! Developed with Private Funds Tax Benefits – Local businesses and private parties benefit from 501c3 donation platform. Legacy Rights – For as many years as the NOAA/concrete exists, YOUR NAME WILL BE PRESERVED ON A REEF STRUCTURE!