Biologists with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) have begun a multi-year project to improve important fish habitat in Lake Murray.
In reservoirs, nearshore, shallow structure (littoral habitat) serves as spawning habitat, protective cover and attracts food sources for adult and juvenile fish.
Abundant and complex littoral habitat is critical to fish diversity, juvenile fish survival and ultimately the quality of fish populations and recreational fisheries.
Unfortunately, littoral habitat in southeastern reservoirs has declined due to reservoir aging, sedimentation, shoreline development and vegetation management.
SCDNR is enhancing littoral habitat with concrete reef balls to improve spawning and survival of juvenile fishes. The first reef balls were deployed by biologists and technicians in January 2025.
Reef balls fabricated with molds developed by and purchased from the Reef Ball Foundation are concrete dome-like structures approximately 1 1/2 feet tall and 2 feet wide.
Holes in the reef balls allow fish to swim in and out. Reef balls are durable, environmentally friendly structures that provide long-lasting, quality fish habitat and withstand exposure during winter reservoir drawdowns.
Lake Murray littoral habitat enhancements are long-term projects that will involve deploying reef balls in shallow water over the next three years.
By February, 23 reef balls had been fabricated and deployed in Lake Murray with more deployments expected.
Funding for this reef ball project was provided in part by Newberry County Water Recreational Resources funds.
Lake Murray is located just west of Columbia South Carolina. The 48,000 acre reservoir is known for its largemouth bass, striped bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, crappie, and catfish.
source: South Carolina Department of Natural Resources
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