Grant Erickson, owner of Erickson and Jensen Shrimp Company, aids in the recovery of a steel-enforced shrimping net that had become entangled on a newly discovered illegal, man-made reef.

(Andrew West/The News-Press)

At a Glance

A newly discovered illegal man-made reef off the coast of Florida prompted local authorities and shrimpers to join forces Friday to retrieve an entangled shrimping net.The reef, which is not currently marked on any boating charts, is located in shrimp trolling lanes about 10 miles off Bonita Beach in the Gulf of Mexico.Nets ensnared on the reef can be a trap for marine wildlife, including endangered sea turtles.

An illegal man-made reef formed from large concrete poles dumped off the Florida coast has angered shrimpers and environmentalists.

On Friday, ateam of wildlife officials and private that had become entangled on the reef about 10 miles off Bonita Beach, reports The News-Press.

It is unclear how the reef, which is constructed from large concrete poles,was formed or even whether it was constructed intentionally. Lying some 40 feet underwater, the reef is right in the middle of shrimp trolling lanes and can easily ensnareexpensiveshrimping nets worth up to $20,000.

"I'm annoyed," Captain MarkGrunwaleof Erickson and Jensen Shrimp Companyof the illegal reef. "There will be no knowing how it got there. This particular site is right in the middle of shrimp trolling lanes when they are coming out of Fort Myers Beach."

, in cooperation with divers from the Lee County Sheriff's Office and marine officers from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, as well as local shrimpers.

With visibility at the bottom of less than a foot, the divers had to make several attempts to locate the net that is believed to belong to a Texas shrimper.

Vester resource coordinator Bob Wasno noted that the illegal reef that is 40 feet in length and width is not marked on any boating charts. However, that will change, he said, so shrimpers will become aware of the reef and keep from lowering their nets in the area.

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Apart from the cost of the gear, retrieval of the net became imperative because it can entrap marine wildlife such as sea turtles, marine mammals, fish and potentially, divingbirds.

"It just becomes a killing field where small fish will get entrapped, and other fish will comein tobite them, as well as sea turtles,"Wasnotold NBC2.

With sea turtle nesting season approaching in May,Lee County dive team leader Jeremiah Marcottetold The News-Press that keeping the illegal reef free of entangled nets is necessary to protect marine wildlife, as well as local divers.

"It's an environmental concern, and you don't want any divers getting caught in it," Marcotte said. "Sea turtle nesting season is coming up, and they're endangered."

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