January 2026 Seasonal Closures for Gulf and Atlantic Waters

December 11th, 2025

On November 18, 2025, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), in partnership with Martin County Environmental Resources, sank a 227-foot derelict freight vessel named Borocho to create a new artificial reef off the coast of Martin County. The ship now rests nearly 200 feet below the surface, nine miles offshore from the St. Lucie Inlet.

The vessel had been abandoned in the Miami River for more than a decade before the FWC’s Derelict Vessel Program stepped in to remove and repurpose it. Rather than opting for costly land disposal, the agency chose artificial reefing—a sustainable and cost-effective solution that transforms disused ships into thriving marine habitats.

Now known as the Boo McCulley Reef, this new site honors John “Boo” McCulley, a pioneer in Florida’s artificial reef development. The reef extends the Sirotkin permitted area, a popular 1.14-nautical-mile fishing corridor where anglers target species such as mackerel, amberjack, and snapper.

The project highlights how responsible marine management can both protect Florida’s waterways and create new opportunities for fishing and diving. Artificial reefs like this one enhance biodiversity, support fish populations, and give new life to the Gulf and Atlantic ecosystems.