By DR. LAURIE COKER
On Feb. 25, Friends of RGV Reef marked a significant moment in its ongoing mission to restore and protect marine life in the Gulf. In honor of the late Gary Glick, a key leader in the creation of Friends of RGV Reef, the organization deployed the largest vessel ever introduced to the reef—a 110-foot-long ship that will serve as a thriving habitat for marine life. This event not only paid tribute to Glick’s enduring legacy, but also reinforced the need for community support to sustain and expand the reefing project.
On Tuesday, family, friends and admirers of Glick gathered for a heartfelt tribute, the deployment of the Gary Memorial Reef. Glick was a man whose passion for the Gulf of Mexico was unmatched. A fisherman, diver, conservationist and reef builder, he dedicated his life to restoring lost marine habitats and ensuring the ocean remained a source of life for future generations. Alongside his brother Bob, Glick played a pivotal role in developing RGV Reef, one of the country’s most ambitious artificial reef projects. His tireless work hauling reef materials, securing funding, and inspiring others helped transform the barren ocean floor into a sanctuary for fish, coral and marine organisms. For Glick, the sea was more than just a place to fish; it
was a world to protect and nurture.
Now, with the deployment of the 110 foot vessel, his legacy will live on beneath the waves. Over time, this ship will evolve into a fully developed reef, providing critical habitat for marine life. Fish will find shelter, coral will establish itself and the ecosystem will flourish, all thanks to the dedication of a man who believed in giving back to the ocean.
Sinking a vessel to create an artificial reef is a meticulous process. Before deployment, extensive preparations (1,100 man-hours over one month) ensure the ship is free of hazardous materials, safe for marine life and positioned correctly on the seafloor. For the Titan, a 100-foot-plus tugboat sunk off the coast of South Padre Island in Glick’s honor, this process required careful execution. To accelerate the sinking, the team cut four square holes into each side of the boat, eight in total. The vessel was filled with ocean water through a hose, and once it reached the right buoyancy level, the holes were opened to increase the speed of submersion. Once on the seafloor, nature takes over.
Ships like the Titan typically take months to attract marine life and years to fully develop into a thriving reef. Within weeks, small fish and invertebrates begin to inhabit the structure. Within a year, algae and soft corals start growing, forming the foundation of the reef. Over several years, hard corals establish themselves, and the structure becomes home to a diverse range of species, from snapper and grouper to sea turtles and sharks.
While the success of Friends of RGV Reef is undeniable, the project relies entirely on grassroots funding and grants. The organization calls on the community for support to continue growing and maintaining these vital marine habitats.
“We are certainly in need of direct financial contributions. Still, we need people to help us tell our story and help us connect with the philanthropists in this country who align with our vision and love for conservation. This is hard work. We will always need more help, not just in funding, but also in material handling machinery, boat operations, and other expertise,” stated Curtis Hayungs, President of FRGVR. “Every contribution helps fund the deployment of new reef structures and ensures existing reefs remain viable habitats for marine life. Raising awareness is critical, and by spreading the word through social media, community events, and personal networks, more people can learn about RGV Reef’s impact and mission.”
With adequate funding and continued community involvement, Friends of the RGV Reef plans to build more artificial reef structures along the Texas coastline, partnering with other coastal reefers with wild visions to work towards Texas’s largest connected artificial reef system in the United States. Collaborations with marine scientists and environmental organizations will ensure that the project remains at the forefront of habitat restoration. As the Titan settles into its new role beneath the sea and marine life begins to flourish around the Gary Memorial Reef, Friends of RGV Reef remains committed to its mission. Through conservation efforts and the dedication of those who believe in protecting our oceans, Glick’s legacy—and the impact of artificial reefs—will endure for generations to come.
For those who wish to contribute to the cause or learn more about ongoing projects, Friends of RGV Reef encourages contact through its website and social media platforms.
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