Artificial Reef Program
Since 1984, the Marine Resources Administration has been involved in an intensive program of artificial reef construction and biological monitoring. The purpose is to create a network of artificial reefs in the ocean waters along the New Jersey coast to provide a hard substrate for fish, shellfish and crustaceans, fishing grounds for anglers, and underwater structures for scuba divers. Deployments are donated and funded by outside organizations with oversight and coordination provided by the NJDEP Fish and Wildlife’s Artificial Reef Program.
What is an artificial reef?
Artificial Reef Ventless Trap Survey
Artificial Reef Deployment Map
Learn about the positive effects of artificial reefs on various marine inhabitants from plants to invertebrates to fish.
Artificial Reef Deployment Map
Artificial Reef Ventless Trap Survey
Artificial Reef Deployment Map
Explore New Jersey’s interactive map to find information about deployment’s and marine and estuarine fishing grounds.
Artificial Reef Ventless Trap Survey
Artificial Reef Ventless Trap Survey
Artificial Reef Ventless Trap Survey
Learn about New Jersey’s effort to monitor the success of artificial reefs on various crab and fish populations.
Touring Vessels
Board of Trustees
Chairman: Joseph M. DeCotiis
Chairman: Joseph M. DeCotiis
Chairman: Joseph M. DeCotiis
Joseph M. DeCotiis is the Co-Managing Partner of DeCotiis, FitzPatrick, Cole & Giblin, LLP, where he leads the firm’s executive committee and chairs the Government and Regulatory Affairs Practice Group. With decades of experience representing public entities, Joseph serves as General Counsel to the New Jersey Turnpike Authority and Bergen
Joseph M. DeCotiis is the Co-Managing Partner of DeCotiis, FitzPatrick, Cole & Giblin, LLP, where he leads the firm’s executive committee and chairs the Government and Regulatory Affairs Practice Group. With decades of experience representing public entities, Joseph serves as General Counsel to the New Jersey Turnpike Authority and Bergen Community College, and has played a key role in major infrastructure, redevelopment, and regulatory matters across the state. A lifelong boater, Joseph holds a U.S. Coast Guard Captain’s License, underscoring his deep connection to the water and passion for maritime activities.
Vice Chair: Mike Reagan
Chairman: Joseph M. DeCotiis
Chairman: Joseph M. DeCotiis
Michael Reagan is a retired Senior Vice President at CGI with more than 40 years of experience in information technology, having also held leadership roles at MCI, ITT, Sprint, and Bell South. Now focused on giving back, he serves on the board of the Back Bay and Artificial Reef Foundation and is actively involved with Elijah’s Promise, a
Michael Reagan is a retired Senior Vice President at CGI with more than 40 years of experience in information technology, having also held leadership roles at MCI, ITT, Sprint, and Bell South. Now focused on giving back, he serves on the board of the Back Bay and Artificial Reef Foundation and is actively involved with Elijah’s Promise, a nonprofit dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty through food and social services. A Jersey Shore resident and avid boater, Reagan is passionate about supporting the neurodiverse community and disabled veterans through meaningful activities on the water.
Treasurer: Gary Hirsch
Chairman: Joseph M. DeCotiis
Secretary: Anthony Zissimos
Gary Hirsch is the founder and president of Global Opportunities Inc. and a long-time leader in Middlesex County with over 40 years of experience in municipal and county government affairs. Known for his persistence and deep community ties, Gary has advised mayors and public officials across New Jersey, helping to shape local initiatives
Gary Hirsch is the founder and president of Global Opportunities Inc. and a long-time leader in Middlesex County with over 40 years of experience in municipal and county government affairs. Known for his persistence and deep community ties, Gary has advised mayors and public officials across New Jersey, helping to shape local initiatives and strengthen civic engagement. His commitment to giving back extends to the Back Bay and Artificial Reef Foundation, where he supports efforts to provide meaningful water-based experiences for the neurodiverse community and disabled veterans, combining his passion for community service with the Foundation’s mission.
Secretary: Anthony Zissimos
Chairman: Joseph M. DeCotiis
Secretary: Anthony Zissimos
Anthony Zissimos is a Cybersecurity Advisor with the Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), where he leads efforts in New Jersey to strengthen the security, reliability, and resilience of critical infrastructure. He brings over 20 years of experience in cybersecurity across the U.S. Air
Anthony Zissimos is a Cybersecurity Advisor with the Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), where he leads efforts in New Jersey to strengthen the security, reliability, and resilience of critical infrastructure. He brings over 20 years of experience in cybersecurity across the U.S. Air Force, Air National Guard, and state and federal governments.
A retired Lieutenant Colonel, Anthony served 34 years in the Air Force and Air National Guard, culminating as commander of the 140th Cyberspace Operations Squadron at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. His leadership included defending Department of Defense networks and systems against cyber intrusions and advancing both offensive and defensive cyber capabilities.
Anthony’s deep expertise, leadership, and lifelong commitment to service make him a valuable addition to the Back Bay Artificial Reef Foundation’s Board of Trustees.