VSSA VOLUNTEER
REEF MONITORING PROGRAM
Anglers on the Water. Where Every Cast Counts.
FISH YOUR REEF
RECORD WHAT YOU SEE
A simple form completed after your trip
SHAPE VIRGINIA'S REEF FUTURE
Your data drives real management decisicions
Virginia's 23 artificial reef sites are among the most productive fishing destinations in the Chesapeake Bay and coastal waters, but they have never been systematically monitored. By pairing the firsthand knowledge of Virginia's recreational angling community with a simple structured data collection framework, this program turns everyday fishing trips into meaningful acts of reef stewardship.
Monitor the reefs you already love
Your observations matter. Let's put them to work.
About the Program
The VSSA Volunteer Reef Monitoring Program is a structured citizen science initiative developed by the Virginia Saltwater Sportfishing Association (VSSA) Volunteer Reef Committee. Its purpose is straightforward: to assess the condition and productivity of Virginia’s artificial reef sites using the firsthand knowledge of the recreational anglers who fish them most.
This initiative organizes volunteer recreational anglers to collect standardized, scientifically grounded data on reef accessibility, fish abundance, and targeted environmental conditions during their normal fishing trips. By pairing angler knowledge with a structured data framework, this program will provide evidence-based insights to guide future reef management, materials selection, and site deployment decisions.
This project is intentionally designed to be simple, meaningful, and rewarding - meeting anglers where they already are, doing what they already love.
Program Objectives
How can I participate?
The VSSA Volunteer Reef Monitoring Program is designed to fit into a normal fishing trip. No scientific background required. No extra equipment needed. If you fish Virginia’s artificial Reefs, you already have everything it takes!
There are two roles you can fit into with this project:
1
Primary Reef Leads
For each of the 23 reef sites, the VSSA Reef Committee recruits a designated Primary Reef Lead - A volunteer who fishes the reef regularly and commits to ensuring the site receives at least the minimum number of monitoring visits per season.
If you are interested in serving as a Primary Reef Lead for a specific site, let us know!
2
Open Monitoring
Fish Any Reef
Open monitoring means anyone can contribute! If you fish a Virginia artificial reef, we want to hear about it. Submit data for every reef you fish - the more reefs you cover, the stronger the dataset becomes.
Fish a reef and tell us what you catch!
You are not just a data collector. You are a steward, a local expert, and an invested stakeholder in the health of Virginia's waters.
Am I eligible?
Access to a seaworthy vessel with appropriate USCG safety equipment.
A GPS-capable fishfinder or chartplotter aboard.
Valid Virginia recreational saltwater fishing license.
Willing to complete the survey after you fishing trip.
Fish it. Log it. Submit it.
Click the form below as soon as possible after your trip while the details are still fresh! Click the blue button below OR scan the QR code to submit a monitoring trip!
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I need help submitting my form? No worries, check out the informational packet for a full step-by-step on how to access, fill out, and submit the form. Still have questions? Email us!
Who can participate? Any recreational angler with boat access, a GPS capable fishfinder, and a valid Virginia saltwater fishing license is eligible. No scientific background required.
How often can I fill out the survey? As often as you fish - and we hope that’s often! There is no limit on submissions. Every trip you log adds valuable data to the program. More trips, more data, better reefs.
Can I fish multiple reef sites? Absolutely. There are no restrictions on which reefs you can submit data for. If you fish it, submit it. The more reefs covered, the stronger the dataset becomes.
How do I join the Facebook group? Click the following link: https://www.facebook.com/JOINVSSA and request to join. All requests are reviewed and approved by VSSA Committee members.
Who do I contact if I have questions? The VSSA Reef Committee is your primary point of contact for anything related to the Volunteer Reef Monitoring Program. Send us an email with your questions and someone from the committee will reach out as soon as possible!
Email: ifishva@gmail.com
When will I see the results of my data? Volunteers will receive access to end-of-season reef performance results before they are released to the public. You will be among the first to know which reefs are thriving and why.
Resources & Reference Materials
Volunteer Informational Packet: Everything you need to know about this program in one document. Download Packet Here
Virginia Artificial Reef Site Map: All 23 VMRC reef site mapped out with coordinates and information [https://mrc.virginia.gov/vswft/angler_guide/angler_web_reef.pdf ].
Species Identification Reference pages: Fish species found in Virginia waters to help you with any identification questions you might have [https://mrc.virginia.gov/vswft/angler_guide/angler_web_guide.pdf].