Hilton Head Reef Foundation

The Hilton Head Reef Foundation is a non-profit, tax deductible 501c-3 corporation founded by the Hilton Head Island Sportfishing Club for the purpose of assisting The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources to build artificial reefs off the coast of Beaufort County.  In 1992 the Foundation began with the construction of the Fishamerica Reef and purchased and produced structure for the Whitewater Reef, the Hilton Head Reef, and Eagles Nest Reef.  As the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, through the sale of saltwater fishing licenses, increased their funding for further development of the artificial reefs, the Foundation changed its emphasis to supporting research and education by focusing its support on the Waddell Mariculture Center's Red Drum and Cobia stock enhancement efforts and Cooperative Science Service's international Dolphin Fish tagging programs.  The Foundation helps fund the Waddell Mariculture Center's tour program, equipment purchases and repairs, renovations and a summer intern program. It assists SCDNR in its DNA research of Beaufort County Red Drum and Cobia.  The Foundation has been lead investigator for 2 Sea Grant grants for the purpose of satellite tagging of Cobia and Dolphin fish (Don Hammond) and has administered a SCDNR grant for a continuing study of our local adult Red Drum population. (Glenn Ulrich).
    
The Foundation does not have a paid staff. All administrative costs, except for accounting fees and website support for the posting of educational and research information is absorbed by the Hilton Head Island Sportfishing Club.  For information and copies of 501 (c) (3) and South Carolina exemption registration contact:

Russell Patterson- Chairman 843 842- 6111
David Harter- Vice Chairman 843 785- 4106   Fax 843 785-2638
Bill True- Treasurer 843 785-9500

Visit the Hilton Head Reef Foundation website at www.reeffoundation.com for more information on our programs.