MRD Staff -- (Left) Capt. Robert Turpin, Division Manager; (right) Assistant; Brad Bane,

                  Environmental Analyst (pictured in the center is Randy Wachowski, Office Support who has

                  since accepted another position elsewhere..)."Thank you, Randy for your hard work and

                  dedication. You will be missed!" Best of luck to Randy.

Escambia County’s marine and freshwater resources play a large role in attracting people to our community to live, work, and play. This has been true for decades, hundreds, and thousands of years. Native Americans lived along our coastline long before European “discovery”, gathering food from local waters. They left numerous artifacts, including shell “middens”- mounds of empty shells discarded after removing the edible parts. Don Tristan de Luna attempted the first European settlement here in 1559. Although they were thwarted by a powerful hurricane, Pensacola was eventually settled, and occupied by the Spanish, English, and French. One of the greatest attractions to our area was the natural and protected deepwater port. Shipping and the harvest of naval stores from local forests comprised much of our early development. The strategic nature of our port was also recognized militarily, and numerous forts were constructed to protect it

Fishing was, and still is, an important activity in Escambia County. After the Civil War, the commercial fishery for red snapper was centered in Pensacola. Indeed, the fish was widely known as the “Pensacola Red Snapper”. In recent decades, recreational fishing has become important for personal consumption and recreation, as well as the foundation for tremendous economic activity. A quick scan through the business section of the local telephone directory reveals hundreds of businesses that deal with fishing, boating, diving, and numerous other water-based activities.

Clean water, healthy populations of marine life, and the world’s most beautiful beaches are the foundation of our tourist economy as well. Each year, millions of visitors stream into our area from all parts of the world. Our attraction is also answered by growth in the local population as people move to our area to pursue careers, raise families, or retire. As we have seen in other parts of Florida, local populations are likely to provide us with tremendous economic potential. This growth also presents challenges. The quality of our marine and freshwater resources are inextricably tied to the lands within our watershed. Most critical are the coastal lands and lands adjacent to rivers and streams. As we grow and develop, we must ensure that we do not harm those marine and coastal resources that are an important part of who we are.

To help ensure the long-term health and accessibility of Escambia County’s marine, freshwater, and coastal resources, Escambia Board of County Commissioners established Escambia County Marine Resources Division in April, 2000. Although federal and state agencies have jurisdiction over many marine and environmental issues, the County Commission recognized the importance of having focus at the Escambia County level. Escambia County Marine Resources Division provides local knowledge and expertise to issues that effect Escambia County’s waterways, water quality, and living marine and freshwater resources. Our perspective allows us to focus on what is best for Escambia County. Our goal is the safe, efficient, and sustainable use and enjoyment of our marine, coastal and freshwater resources by our residents and visitors.

Marine Programs

Artificial Reefs

Waterway Access

Waterway Management

 Permitting

Special Projects

Marine Advisory Committee

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ORISKANY NEWS

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	Oriskany Reef

MRD Information

23 May 2006

The Oriskany Reef was deployed on the morning of May 17, 2006 at a water depth of 212 feet, approximately 22.5 nautical miles southeast of Pensacola Pass. The exact position was selected because it had the needed water depth to allow the ship to be reefed and maintain the 55-foot navigational clearance required by US Army Corps of Engineers permit. Because the ship is wider than it is tall, and there was no guarantee that the ship would not land on her side, the ship's 157-foot beam was used to determine the water depth. The Oriskany landed on the EXACT planned coordinates, and is sitting perfectly upright on the seafloor facing due south.

Because the Oriskany is in deep water and can be affected by strong water currents, divers are strongly encouraged to use extreme caution when diving this reef. Novice divers should gain additional training and experience before attempting to dive Oriskany. All divers should follow the guidelines and safe diving practices provided during their training.

Due to the complex nature of the ship's interior and the unknown extent of structural damages caused by the reefing process, divers should not enter the ship under any circumstances. Divers should not remove any items from the ship, and there is no reason for anyone to enter the ship's interior. There is nothing inside the ship worth dying for!

The Oriskany Reef is located at 30° 02.600'N; 87° 00.400'W. The uppermost structure is located at 30° 02.555'N; 87° 00.397'W.

The following Organizations and individuals made a contribution, helping to make this event possible:

Alan Kellis, Amy Lovoy, Arthur J. Gless, Big Lagoon Designs by Alan Woolford, Bill Mills, Cathy Watson, CCA-Florida Pensacola Chapter, Charlie Gonzalez, Daniel E. Nieves, David Musselwhite, Deborah Norton, Detailed Builders LLC., Dodie Overton, Dolores E. Knaus, Don J. Suarez, Kristi Suarez, Don Stuart, Doyle Butler, Earl Young, Earle M. Rader Jr., Ed Fish, Eilene Beard, Entertainer Charter Boat Service, Fly Fishers of Northwest Florida, Georgiana Jan Teschel, Gerald R. Goldstein, Greg & Bethany Barfield, Gulf Breeze Bait & Tackle Inc., Gulfcoast Barracuda Dive Club, Holiday Harbor Marina, J. Taylor Kirschenfeld, James E. Link, Jerry T. Webb, Jim Watley, Joan P. Allen & Keitheley T. Wilkins, Jodie L. Manale, John Fetzer dba Francis J., Killinger Marine Center Inc., Kost Enterprises, Lou's Marine Inc., Mark Mueller, Michael L. Hardin, Michael M. Hajek Jr., Michael V. Frey, Norman L. White, Okaloosa County BOCC, One More Yard Inc., Outcast Bait and Tackle Inc., Paula & Donald Sigman, Bill Mills, Pensacola Bay Fishing Bridge Inc. Pensacola Recreational Fishermans Assocation, R. A. Edwards, Ralph & Evon Emerson, Randy & Catherine Sharp, Red Snapper World Championship Inc., Robert O. Browning, Robert Turpin, Ronnie E. Yaden, Santa Rosa Stor-It, Scuba Shack, Inc., Sherry Atkinson, Southern Scrap Co. Inc., Stuart H. Stilman, Sunil Gupta MD, PA, Sunset Holding dba Pensacola Beach Gulf Pier, Ted A. Meade, The Market on the Island, The Mostoller Group Realty LLC, Thomas E. J. & Doris M. Jacobi, Thomas P. Keener, Tim Stewart, Timothy R. Day, Walmart, Walter E. Williamson Jr., Walter F. Martin, Walter R. Wilkerson, Walter S. Phillips Jr., Wayne S. Willis MD, William R. & Alicia C. Bush.

For the detailed listing of contributions refer to Oriskany Contributer Listing.