Perkins led a twenty minute long presentation, which described the scope of the project, which would be carried out by ASR Marine Consulting & Construction. The reef itself is described as being made up of multiple layers of "geotextile bags" which are said to encourage marine growth. ASR has several offices around the world and has completed numerous reefs in places like Australia, India, and England. Perkins highlighted the benefits this “multi purpose reef” could offer the city of Westport including reduction of shoreline erosion and marina flooding and a possible boost to tourism dollars if it helped form a sandy beach or an impressive surfing wave. Perkins played a short video clip of a reef in Kovolam, India that ASR completed in February of this year showing surfers riding an impressive and powerful wave that has become a world-class surfing spot.
Upon further inspection of artificial reef successes, however, one begins to see that their benefits appear to be extremely dependent on any number of conditions that may or may not produce the desired results they are built for. Surfrider Foundation’s Environmental Director, Chad Nelsen has been studying artificial reefs for the last 15 years and in an interview this spring following a forum he attended on artificial reefs in Raglan, New Zealand, he says “The myth that artificial surf reefs are the panacea is nothing but a myth. It's just a structure out there. It might work in some places, it might not work in others. The Army Corps of Engineers has been building stuff in the ocean for 200 years and every time they build something they still run into problems. The ocean system is so complex and dynamic.
Overall no objections to the proposal were voiced from council members or those in attendance. There were many questions and comments raised however, especially in regard to project costs and funding sources. Mayor Michael Bruce commented “You can't really compare Westport with places like [Australia’s] Gold Coast. I think looking at things like this are a good thing but you really need to get the Government on your side.” This was in response to Perkins saying he had not yet contacted any entities other than the City thus far. “ASR recommended that I start with speaking with the local city council first, and then go from there.” he said. When asked about costs Perkins noted that as of yet he’s not sure where funding would come from. He had pinpointed about $7 million of grant funding so far and overall project estimates would include $100,000 for a feasibility study and then actual construction could be between $2 million to $5 million dollars. Mayor Bruce, who spoke neither for or against Perkins’ proposal inquired if he expected the City to provide funds for such a project. “I didn’t expect you would be writing me a blank check or anything,” Perkins said. “I really just wanted to get the idea out there.”
Councilpersons Rex Anderson and Desiree Dodson both commended Perkins for bringing the proposal to the council and giving the presentation. “We are always talking about investing in our Community,” Dodson said “and I think what you presented here today is doing just that. It shows your dedication to this community.”
Perkins said the length of time it would take to build the reef is site dependent ranging anywhere from a few months to a couple of years and the overall life span of these reefs can be anywhere between 20 and 50 years. For more information about this proposal or Perkins’ Westport Cargo Mall venture email info@gotowestport.com.
