Review of Reef Making

[Mamta Singhal]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Reef Making" by David Walter.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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"Reef Making" by David Walter.

Fishing dominated Orange Beach's economy and culture, with marinas filled with fishing boats. Early navigation technology, like the sextant and Loran systems, was primitive and unreliable for finding fishing spots. By the mid-1980s, advancements in Loran technology had made navigation easier and more accurate, but these devices were still not widely used for bottom fishing. The community's fishing practices and economy faced a significant change in 1984 when NOAA/NMFS imposed a daily bag limit of two king mackerel per person.

In the 1990s, artificial reef development in Orange Beach, Alabama, advanced significantly. Amid a real estate boom, the author lost dock space but secured new land, enabling the production of steel-clad reefs. They innovated with a "Florida Special" design, expanding sales across multiple states. Challenges included securing suitable limestone and navigating rising steel costs. Eventually, they created a successful complex reef by embedding Florida limestone in concrete pyramids, improving marine habitat. This new reef design gained popularity but faced patent issues.

The book emphasizes the development and challenges of artificial reef creation, particularly highlighting the evolution of reef designs to support various marine life stages. David Walter's account emphasizes the critical role of technological advancements in navigation and reef construction. Early navigation tools like Loran were crucial for locating reef sites, and innovations in sonar technology helped fishermen pinpoint and fish around these artificial structures.

The book also discusses the social and economic implications of reef-building, including how it impacts local fishing communities and the broader economy. Despite these, the book is edited exceptionally well, without errors. The creation of artificial reefs not only provided new fishing opportunities but also contributed to ecological conservation by creating habitats for various marine species. Overall, the book provides a detailed and personal account of the evolution of artificial reefs in Alabama, underscoring the blend of innovation, community effort, and environmental stewardship that drove this transformative initiative. That's why I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.

"Reef-Making" is well-suited for environmental enthusiasts, fishing hobbyists, coastal community members, and anyone interested in marine conservation and the history of artificial reef development. And the book doesn't have any dislikes, as per me.

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Reef Making
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[Sandre Lamar]

This book is a fascinating dive into the evolution of fishing practices and reef development. David Walter's explanation vividly captures the impact of technology and regulations.

[Slippy Spectrum]

Well, howdy there! After reading this exceptional review, I reckon "Reef Making" by David Walter is a mighty fine book. It sure seems like a captivating read for folks interested in marine conservation, fishing, and even coastal communities. With a 5-star rating, it's clear that the author's personal account of artificial reef development in Alabama is worth diving into. So grab yourself a copy and enjoy the journey from navigating the seas to creating habitats for marine critters. Happy reading, y'all! Gripping tension, kept me on edge.