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132 tons of high-quality reef modules were deployed to create the R.Z. “Sandy” Safley Reef

Orlando, Fla. – August 24, 2022 – On Tuesday, Coastal Conservation Association Florida (CCA Florida), the state’s leading organization dedicated to marine fisheries conservation, education and advocacy, in partnership with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), the Building Conservation Trust (BCT) and the Organization for Artificial Reefs, deployed 30 reef modules to create the R.Z. “Sandy” Safley Reef, a tribute to Safley’s commitment to protecting Florida’s marine habitat and the rights of recreational anglers.

Six 15-foot-tall super structures weighing 18 tons each and 24, 8-foot-tall pyramids weighing 1 ton each were deployed in 50 feet of water by Walter Marine in a pre-permitted area known for attracting grouper, snapper, amberjack, king mackerel and cobia. These specific reef structures, will provide greater habit diversity while attracting vast species of fish and appealing more to recreational anglers and divers. The reef site is located offshore 15 miles south of Carrabelle at approximately 29°39.882 N. 84° 30.012 W.

“Today’s reef deployment is significant because we are not only celebrating a leader of our organization but also of the recreational angling community,” CCA Florida Executive Director Brian Gorski said. “Sandy has spent his life fighting for anglers and the waters they fish, and we cannot imagine honoring his environmental stewardship in a better way.”

For more than three decades, Safley has been a committed CCA Florida member serving the government relations committee and executive leadership team. Safley also led efforts to introduce legislation for CCA Florida’s “Conserve Florida’s Fisheries” license plate, which was signed into law into 2020.

In addition to his commitment to CCA Florida, Safley has also supported Everglades Restoration, the merger of Florida Department of Natural Resources with Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and legislation creating the current FWC and Tampa Bay Water. He was also a gubernatorial appointee to the Florida Marine Fisheries Commission, serving as Vice Chairman. Safley also served in the Florida House of Representatives from 1988 to 1998 representing parts of Pinellas, Hillsborough, and Pasco counties.

“This reef deployment is a tribute to Sandy, who has supported recreational angling for nearly 40 years,” CCA Florida Director of Advocacy Trip Aukeman said. “From supporting the no commercial sale of redfish to filing and developing the bill for Florida’s saltwater license, Sandy has accomplished more to protect our fisheries than anyone I know, and this reef is a testament to his dedication that will be here for anglers to enjoy today and decades to come.”

The super structures are embedded with Safley’s passions and interests, including a golf club, aluminum redfish, aluminum tomahawk steak along with family memorabilia.  The reef was funded by a $25,000 donation from Building Conservation Trust (BCT), $25,000 from CCA Florida and $75,000 from FWC.

Artificial reefs initiate the development of natural, thriving habitats for various species of fish, invertebrates, and other marine life, such as smaller organisms that are vital food sources for other marine species, with the overall goal to create an ever-evolving ecosystem while enhancing fisheries and improving water quality.