new jersey artifical reef program continues to expand - austin

Good news for recreational anglers, divers and the shore economy.

The Austin, a 68” trawler was sunk on September 21st, 2016 on the Axel Carlson Reef.  This is the fourth additional deployment to the NJ Artificial Reef Program this year.

Built in 1956 in Tampa, Florida the Austin was originally used as a shrimp boat that fished the Gulf of Mexico from Florida to as far south as Campeche, Mexico.  The father of owner Bill Ford purchased her in 1966 and brought her to Point Pleasant where she was converted to a trawler. She actively fished NJ waters until decommissioned in 2013.

The Austin was sunk in memory of John Grady III who passed in 2007. John was the son of John and Agatha Grady, 48 year residents of Brielle, NJ. John III had a love of the sea and was an enthusiastic angler his entire life. He worked as a mate on party boats and owned several fishing boats. He was pictured on the October 1996 cover of the Fisherman Magazine.

His friends thought it would be fitting to dedicate the sinking of the Austin as a memorial to him. Glenn Egerter, the son of Capt. Willie Egerter of the party boat Dauntless, Point Pleasant Beach and Kevin Lovgren constructed a massive cross measuring 12' x 7.5' over-all and made of 6" x 12" black walnut timbers which will be affixed to the Austin. The cross is covered with hand carved scrolls that are  heartfelt remembrances of a good friend and avid fisherman. The Gradys are extremely pleased to honor their son in this manner.

The Austin is the sister ship of the McGinty which already lies on the Axel Carlson Reef. Peter Clarke of the NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife Marine Fisheries Administration states “Artificial reefs are extremely important in providing additional habitat for the multitude of marine species that colonize and inhabit them. They are very popular with anglers and divers who help to increase tourism that in turn supports shore businesses”. Coordinates for the location of the Austin are N 40 02.900 W 73 59.000’. The site will be known as the “Shady Reef”.

Funding of the deployment was made by the Grady family and the Greater Point Pleasant Charter Boat Association through donations to the Ocean Reef Foundation of New Jersey (ORFNJ). Ocean Reef Foundation is a non-profit, 501C3 organization dedicated solely to the facilitation of building artificial reefs in New Jersey. To obtain more information or to make a tax deductible donation contact Ken Warchal at 908-715-0791 or kmwarchal@aol.com.