In August 1984, the Long Bay Artificial Reef Association was formed.   This non-profit organization launched an aggressive reef-building campaign.  What they proposed was to establish six artificial reef sites in five years.

 Six reef sites may not seem like a lot, but considering that only one had been established in Brunswick County, and each reef cost from $20,000 to $60,000, this was an ambitious program.   It was a program, however, which the Reef Association was determined to put in place.  As President Dale McDowell stated, “We wanted to establish new areas to support basic marine life needed to improve the fisheries.  But we weren’t interested in just throwing junk in the ocean.  We wanted to do things right.”

 With cooperation from the North Carolina Department of Marine Fisheries, the LBARA outlined the six reef sites and began to seek funding.  It was a difficult task, but McDowell and his associates proved resourceful.  They soon received $10,000 from the Brunswick County Commissioners.

 Their first project, AR 420, began on September 6, 1986.  The original reef consisted of a 104 ft YSD  vessel. 

Over the years, the LBARA has complied an impressive record.  Those six reefs were established by 1992.  These sites have been enhanced through the years by the addition of tugboats, barges and millions of pounds of concrete pipe and 1500 “Reef Balls”..    

In June 1996, a seventh reef, AR 465 “Gary Ennis Reef” was established. The Mance Lassiter, a former menhaden boat 184’ long was sunk 30 miles off Lockwood Folly Inlet.  The Charlotte Offshore Sport Fishing Club in honor of Gary Ennis, friend, officer and sportsman funded this project.

Project 98 introduced “Reef Balls” to North Carolina placing 100 on each of four reef sites.

In July of 1998 the LBARA Club Challenge was born. Held annually this King Mackerel and Flounder tournament pits fishing club against fishing club for bragging rights while still recognizing individual achievements. 

Thanks to the help of many friends, Project 2000 consisted of 600 “Reef Balls” and a 100’ barge. The “Potter Barge” was sunk on AR 420 and the reef balls distributed 100 each to four sites.  

 Also in 2000 a unique opportunity arose. NC Products of Raleigh, NC donated 60,000 tons or approximately 2500 pieces of concrete pipe to our program. Our challenge, raise the  $40,000.00 for transportation to the NC State Port Wilmington, NC.  Thanks to the support of several fishing clubs and a very pro-active group of Brunswick County Commissioners, not only were the funds raised, the project grew to include 300 standard Reef Balls and 100 Ultra Balls. 

 In 2002 the entire fishing community lost a good friend and fisheries champion in Dale Ward.  Dale, an employee of the NCDMF was a leader in conservation and spent many of his own hours making our fisheries better.

 The US Open King Mackerel Tournament had requested LBARA to petitioned the NCDMF to name an existing reef in honor of Dale Ward.  This request was granted, and AR 455 became the Dale Ward Reef.   The US Open KMT donated over $8000.00 to enhance the site.  This was accomplished in 2004 by the addition of Ultra Reef Balls, concrete pipe and the 110’ tugboat Pawtucket.  The US Open KMT continues to enhance the Dale Ward Reef and support the LBARA.

Also in 2002 LBARA recognized a great opportunity with the announcement of the proposed demolition of forty-year-old Frying Pan Tower and possible destruction of some of the best marine growth and life in the Carolinas.  Many telephone calls and E-mails followed in the next few months.  In February 2003, AR 400, the eighth LBARA reef was born. Actual dismantling is currently on hold.  AR 400’s location, the junction of Long Bay and Onslow Bay affords opportunities for future projects between both reef associations.  

The year 2004 was the 20^th anniversary of LBARA.  The NCDMF helped celebrate this event, honoring President Dale McDowell, naming AR 445.  “ Now and Forever”, The Dale McDowell Reef.   

Other projects consisted of over 1 million pounds of assorted concrete pieces, 101 Reef Balls and two tugboats.  The 110’ Pawtucket on AR455 and 65’ tugboat Admiral Charlie on Dale McDowell Reef.

 Projects in 2005 rivaled 2004 as one of the most successful years in our history.  Over 1.25 million pounds of material was placed on AR 420 and 700,000 pounds placed on AR 460.

 The year was topped off by the completion of the AR 465 project.  This project was four years in the making and ended with 1.9 million pounds of concrete pipe being deposited on the site.  This project, funded by the Sportfish Restoration Act was the first of this kind by an artificial reef group in NC history.

The first joint venture between LBARA and Onslow Bay Artificial Reef Association occurred in 2006.  The purchase of former Menhaden vessel Coastal Mariner was completed and sinking is scheduled for 2007.

Other projects completed in 2006 were the enhancement of AR 425, AR 440 and AR 460. This consisted of 3.5 million pounds of pipe and concrete demolition material donated by Southport Marina.

 Recognized as one of the most successful artificial reef associations in the Southeast.  LBARA helps to support a growing Brunswick County recreational economy.  They are often sited as a model for fledgling groups.

 Fund raising continues to be the lifeline of the association and presents the largest challenge to our continued success.

Success is our trademark.  Since formation we have met and exceed all goals.  Quoting President Dale McDowell, “ As long as the funds are available we are willing and capable of implementing the logistics of the projects.”  Thank you for your support now and in the future.