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Aerial Photos of Reef
| MileMarker: | 87 |
| Location: | Lat 24 55.9 Long 80 32.90 3 miles E-SE of Windley Key; |
| Markers: | Marked by large 35 foot tower: Fl R 2.5 sec 35 ft 5M "40" |
| Depth Range: | 20 to 28 feet deep |
| Skill Level req.: | beginner |
| Risks/Warnings: | SPA area [Sanctuary Preservation Area], no fishing or lobstering allowed |
| History | |
| The "Brick Barge" was an old steel barge that was torpedoed during World War II. It lies at the shoreward north end of the reef. In the extraordinarily cold winter of 1970, over 80 percent of the reef died. It has since made a courageous and determined, if incomplete, rebound. | |
| Dive Description | |
| Hens & Chickens Reef is so-named because of the layout of the reef: a large central "hen" patch surrounded by smaller "chick" patches. A 35 foot tower rests on the southerly edge of the reef. As it lies closer to shore than most other reefs, it is somewhat more prone to low visibility. It has a great diversity of fish and corals for such a relatively small reef. Massive star coral and brain corals engulf panoramic camera shots. The tragic winter of 1970 destroyed much of Hens & Chickens, but today plumes, fins and candelabra soft coral have begun to colonize the old graveyard. Life continues to proliferate, with snook and small grouper chasing through gorgonians. It's a nice, shallow dive. Divers should be reminded that Hens & Chickens Reef is a designated SPA area [Sanctuary Preservation Area] and special care should be taken not to disturb any kind of marine life. Remember you are a visitor in a home that belongs to the animals and not to you! Fishing and lobstering as well as any other collection activity is strictly prohibited. Note that collection of any kind of coral or conch anywhere in Florida is strictly forbidden by state law. |
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| Divesite info by: Jonathan Brinkman | |
Divelog for Hens & Chickens Reef
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