Angler and conservationist Ron McManus was well known in life for his efforts to promote artificial reefs and sportfishing along the Grand Strand. After he passed away in 2014, the S.C Department of Natural Resources established a new reef named in his honor. Now, the Ron McManus Memorial Reef has grown in size with the addition of a new boat hull at the reef site.

The S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Artificial Reef Program recently deployed a 62-foot concrete-hulled boat in an effort to build up the reef site, also known as PA-04, at the mouth of the Little River in Horry County.

“This is the second major deployment on this relatively new reef site,” said Robert Martore, DNR artificial reef coordinator. “We hope to continue to expand this reef in order to make a fitting tribute to Ron, who put so much effort into protecting and enhancing our fisheries resources during his life.”

Artificial reefs, man-made structures laid on the seafloor, provide a foundation for the establishment of productive habitat for marine life, and attract fish and other marine organisms from many levels of the food chain. DNR has constructed dozens of artificial reefs off the coast of South Carolina to increase the amount of essential fish habitat and enhance recreational opportunities for saltwater anglers and sport divers.

McManus” work to grow and promote the Jim Caudle Reef, named for a friend and fellow fisherman, turned it into the state”s most visited artificial reef. With the recent addition to the reef named in his honor, McManus” legacy will continue to grow.

To learn more about DNR”s work on artificial reefs, visit www.dnr.sc.gov/marine/pub/seascience/artreef.html.

Ron McManus Artificial Reef Announced
Dedication Ceremony Set for Friday, October 31

Myrtle Beach, SC–The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources has announced that the Ron McManus Artificial Reef is official. Known as PA-04, the reef is located five miles from the Little River Inlet’s south jetty.

“We are proud to commemorate Ron with a reef named in his honor. His tireless dedication to our State’s artificial reef system has had an impact not only on North Myrtle Beach, but the entire State,” said Robert Marore, Artificial Reef Coordinator for the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.

McManus, who more than 15 years ago established the Dixie Chicken Fishing Fundament in honor of his friend, the late Jim Caudle Artificial Reef, PA-01. Today that reef is the most visited artificial reef in the State of South Carolina enhancing our ecosystem, boosting our economy, and providing countless hours of enjoyment for our many sports enthusiasts.

Additionally, an endowment fund created by Mc Manus in 2008, has continued to fund marine and wetland research at Coastal Carolina University and provide scholarship assistance to deserving students.

“We invite everyone to attend this dedication ceremony”, said Ron’s wife, Katharine. “Ron would be thrilled, and so am I. He would like nothing more than to know that his work is continuing. Through this reef, his reef, PA-04, his legacy lives on.”

About the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources

The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources is the advocate for and steward of the state’s natural resources. The Department of Natural Resources develops and implements policies and programs for the conservation, management, utilization and protection of the state’s natural resources based upon scientifically sound resource assessment and monitoring, applied research, 

technology transfer, comprehensive planning, public education, technical assistance and constituent involvement. The Department of Natural Resources is pro-active in protecting the state’s natural resources for use and enjoyment by future generations of South Carolinians. 

About the Ron McManus Artificial Reef (PA-04)

The Ron McManus Memorial Reef (PA-04), located five miles from the Little River Inlet’s south jetty, is part of South Carolina’s man-made reef system.  Here, fish of all types will flourish within the hulls of decommissioned military vehicles, ready-made concrete towers and even the perforated shells of concrete mixing trucks. The Ron McManus Memorial Reef will create an underwater home where fishermen, divers and marine life thrive.  According to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, artificial reefs generate over $83 million annually and create in excess of 1,000 jobs in and around the communities in which they are located.

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When: Friday, October 31, 2014
Where: Harborgate Marina

10:30 a.m. – 11: 30 a.m.  –  Welcome
Dedication/Blessing of the Reef

11:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.  –  Lunch catered by Mama Jean’s

1:00 p.m.  –  Load boats for short trip to Reef Site

2:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.  –  Reef Buoy/Reef Cone Drop

The public is cordially invited to attend