By ARABELLA SERRATA
Special to the PRESS
The Friends of RGV Reef gave a boat to aquatic life on Wednesday, Oct. 16. The boat was a retired shrimp boat named Defiance. Defiance sailed across the Gulf of Mexico for generations before retirement. Now, the ship is a habitat for marine life under RGV waters. Defiance was christened with the name of Cameron County Commissioner, Sofia C. Benavides.
Ryan Black, Project Director for Friends of RGV Reef, said the boats used to expand the reef are chosen because of their specific size and are usually out of commission when bought. They then clean the boat to ensure no pollution or residue contaminates the water around it. Square holes are cut in the ship to help them sink faster. A diving team marks off the location with a buoy and the boat is set.
So far, according to Black, the project has sunk eight ships into a colossal reef. Currently, it is 1,650 acres, about the same size as the developed parts of South Padre Island. Structures like boats and concrete bricks create new homes for oceanic life.
Gary Glick, Bob Glick and Curtis Hayungs, joined forces to co-found RGV Reef. According to Black, the group fished the waters from a young age and was possessed by a desire to give back to the ocean. They saw the dwindling fish population in local waters and sought to do something about it.
“For industry, recreation, and just so that other kids, like them, can fish these waters and fall in love with it as much as they did,” said Black.
Unfortunately, Gary Glick passed away from an ongoing battle with cancer. This past sinking marks the first official event the organization has done after his passing and the renewal of mandatory licenses that needed to be approved.
“There were a lot of feelings of frustration and grief… doing this activity has allowed sort of a closing on the grief and renewed excitement for being able to just get to work again,” said Black.
According to Black, Benavides has been an enthusiastic supporter of RGV Reef.
“I am humbled to have this special vessel christened in my honor to live in the vibrancy of this artificial reef that will help build on or below the water,” stated Benavides.
She also paid respects to Gary Glick
“The RGV Reef would not have been possible without the vision of the late Gary Glick. We are all blessed to have known him. He will be forever in our hearts,” stated Benavides.
Black promised future projects in the vein of Gary Glick’s vision. He said the organization is looking to raise funds to help pay for transport ships that will move their vital materials. They are currently designing their second phase of action. The public can donate using the official RGV Reef website. Contributions of as little as $10 are appreciated. Black shared that RGV Reef is also interested in corporate sponsors wanting to support the cause.
“The RGV Reef is dedicated to increasing the capacity of fish to support the industry here, to support recreation, and to give a place to young children to fish and fall in love with fishing in this area just as [the founders] did,” said Black.
For more information on RGV Reef, visit the official website at rgvreef.org or call (512) 923-1904.