Eastern Shipbuilding Group (ESG) has announced the launch of the second annual Coastline Initiative, a competition aimed at encouraging local students to design artificial reefs for coastline restoration. This initiative is in collaboration with the Bay County Artificial Reef Association (BCARA) and the University of Florida IFAS Extension, emphasizing environmental preservation while promoting welding and engineering skills among participants.
Joey D’Isernia, CEO of Eastern Shipbuilding Group, stated that the Coastline Initiative provides students with a chance to apply their engineering and welding skills to projects that benefit the environment. The program seeks to enhance educational opportunities while contributing to the restoration of coastal waters.
The competition encourages students to be creative while emphasizing the importance of artificial reefs in ecosystem restoration. Participants gain practical experience in welding and marine engineering, learning to apply their skills in support of sustainable community development. Each reef design considers local environmental conditions to ensure a positive impact on marine habitats.
The ESG noted in a statement that the Coastline Initiative, launched in Fall 2022, reflects ESG’s commitment to community development, workforce readiness, and environmental stewardship. This year, students from local welding and engineering programs are invited to submit designs. Winning designs will be constructed and deployed in Bay and Gulf Counties, aimed at restoring marine habitats and enhancing local fisheries.
The ESG statement highlighted last year’s successful initiative, involving students from Wakulla High School, Wewahitchka High School, Port St. Joe High School, Haney Technical College, and Chipola College. These students collaborated on a joint project, resulting in the construction of four reefs, which were deployed in Spring 2023 at Bay County’s LAARS B permitted area. The ESG statement noted that the reefs listed below are now supporting diverse marine life.
- Haney Technical Reef
- Chipola College Reef
- Wewa/PSJ High School Reef
- Wakulla High School Reef
