Mini-reefs aim to keep Anna Maria Island’s water clean and healthy

BRADENTON BEACH – The Center of Anna Maria Island is working to keep the island's coastal water clean and healthy by adding mini reefs.

"Mini reefs are essentially little nurseries," said Jim McDaniel, director of development for The Center of Anna Maria Island.

McDaniel says the center is working with Ocean Habitats Inc. to install mini reefs under boat docks around the island.

"They house young fish. They help hatch fish," said McDaniel.

The reefs take 6 to 10 months to mature.

Ocean Habitats says after maturity, one small reef filters 30,000 gallons of water every day. Helping to filter out the harmful bacteria.