Chevron’s $100,000 donation boosted project          

The Coastal Conservation Association of Louisiana announced today completion of construction of an artificial reef in Calcasieu Lake that will protect Turner’s Bay Island against further erosion while providing anglers an enhanced fishing spot within minutes of the Calcasieu Point and Ellender Bridge landings.           

Located about 20 yards south of Turner’s Bay Island, the new reef will protect the small island from tidal action that is causing it to erode. The new structure, to be known as Turner’s Bay Island Reef, is in five to six feet of water and covers an area of about 1.5 acres. The reef, which is placed along the length of the island, is constructed of more than 2,700 tons of Missouri limestone shipped to the site on barges.            

Construction of the reef, which cost about $150,000, was coordinated by CCA Louisiana. Chevron Corporation donated $100,000 to the project. Matt Durand General Contractors of St. Martinville built the reef and provided major financial support for the project. Dynamic Industries, Inc.; CCA Louisiana; the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Foundation, and others contributed the balance of the cost of building the reef. The new reef will attract oyster beds, which in turn, attract fish. The Calcasieu Lake area is widely known for its abundance of speckled trout, redfish, flounder and other species that are sought out by recreational fishermen.             

“Saltwater fishing is one of the most popular recreational activities in America – especially in southwest Louisiana,” said Rusty Vincent of Sulphur, a member of the CCA Louisiana Board of Directors who is helping coordinate the project.  

“Calcasieu Lake is attractive to both Louisiana anglers and to thousands who travel from other states to spend a few days fishing and taking advantage of other activities available in our area. The new reef will make fishing in the area even more attractive.” John Walther of Thibodaux, volunteer statewide coordinator for CCA Louisiana’s reef restoration and building program, said the Turner’s Bay site was carefully selected to have a positive ecological impact while providing a productive fishing spot. “One of the great things about the new reef is that it’s only a five-minute boat ride from Calcasieu Point Landing,” Walther said. “The reef will make great fishing available to many anglers because it’s so close to shore and accessible to both large and small boats.”            

Bill Hauhe, Global Gas Manager for Chevron, said the $100,000 donation from Chevron’s Gulf of Mexico and Global Gas businesses is part of the company’s commitment to helping Louisiana deal with coastal erosion issues.            

“Chevron is pleased to partner with the Coastal Conservation Association in an effort to find solutions that will protect and maintain the Gulf Coast region,” Hauhe said. “Our our employees live and work here, and we hope this contribution to the Turner’s Bay Island Reef project will help to provide valuable fisheries habitat and protection for Louisiana’s valuable coastal resources.”            

Turner’s Bay Island Reef is the third major reef restoration project that CCA Louisiana has undertaken in recent years as part of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Artificial Reef Program. Other reef projects spearheaded by CCA include the Bird Island Reef near Terrebonne Bay and Redfish Point Reef in Vermilion Bay. LDWF’s focus on artificial reefs began in 1986 with the popular Rigs-to-Reefs program which extended to inshore artificial reef development.  This reef is one of dozens completed under LDWF’s program.            

CCA Louisiana President Chris Harbuck of Shreveport said the reef project is an example of the how private, public and non-profit organizations can work together for projects that bring about positive results.            

“Chevron’s generous donation helped get this project rolling and contributions from others ensured that it would be completed,” said Harbuck. “Chevron has been a great supporter of coastal restoration, and CCA thanks them very much for helping us get this important project moving forward.”            

LDWF and CCA also partnered with Lafayette office of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in this project. 

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