GULF SHORES, Ala. - Gulf Shores Beach Retreat and Ocean Camp, a certified marine/environmental education program hosted Gulf Shores Middle School eighth graders along with their sponsor, Ms. Kathy Jollit, where they discussed coral reef ecology issues such as the birth of coral polyps, requirements for coral to grow on hard, shallow surfaces and in warm, saline, unpolluted water.

Most of the Gulf is a soft and sandy bottom so therefore the algae or coral polyps can be encouraged by artificial limestone reefs as well as a sunken ship such as ‘The LuLu’ to land and begin their slow growth to becoming a ‘city under the sea’. 

After presentations and activities at GSBR, students toured the property at Walter Marine, inspected the many types of artificial reef shapes, examined the various materials used and then observed as a concrete truck pulled onto the property to fill molds for new artificial reefs. 

Adding the stones to the concrete and hoping to leave a handprint, these students experienced a true ‘hands-on’ opportunity to consider the importance of creating a reef environment along our coast.

“The ship must be cleaned of all leftover pollutants so it will be safe for marine animals, SCUBA divers and snorkelers.  We will need to cut holes into the hull so it will fill with water and sink to the bottom without tipping over,” Dave Walter explained during the tour.

"This field trip was great because I never knew how important reefs were to sea life. I think the coolest part was going to see the boat that is going to be sunk for an artificial reef. What that company is doing is amazing, and we really need it,” student Lauren Osborn,  Citizens for the Environment Organization member, said.

“The fish and marine life will be very grateful that there will be a reef to live and seek refuge in," Erin Stringfellow, a fellow CEO member.

Thanks to David and Stewart Walter of Walter Marine, who purchased the 271 foot coastal freighter and The Reef Foundation, a non-profit group formed earlier this year to support artificial reef development, the project is expected to be a major step toward billing Alabama’s Gulf Coast as a diving destination.

At 57 feet tall, The LuLu, will be easily accessible, approximately 23 miles offshore from Gulf Shores and Orange Beach in 115 feet of water and will soon become a diver’s dream. 

Walter Marine is one of the largest artificial reef businesses in the country.  Walter and his business are the subjects of a reality television show, Reef Wranglers, which will begin airing on The Weather Channel Feb. 12^th at 8 p.m. on the Weather Channel. It is expected that the sinking of The LuLu will be featured on a future episode.

For additional information on artificial reefs http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dW9O2PM3tvc FL Fish & Wildlife educational video.