The NJ DEP Division of Fish and Wildlife has announced that a 90-foot steel-hulled vessel is slated for deployment on the Townsends Inlet Reef on June 11, 2010. The vessel is being deployed as part of the Division's Artificial Reef Program. The Townsends Inlet Reef is located 3.8 nautical miles southeast of Townsends Inlet in Cape May County.

Once the vessel is sunk it will soon become a home to more than 150 species of fish and marine life, a fishing ground for anglers and an underwater attraction for scuba divers. The vessel will continue to serve the fishing industry for at least another 50 years.

The target location for the deployment on the reef will be: 39 06.500'    074 36.300'. Commercial fishers who have gear in this area must move it or risk having it destroyed.

The target date for deployment is subject to weather and sea conditions. For further information regarding the deployment of the vessel contact Hugh Carberry at 609-748-2022.