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Waccamaw Whaler posted 05-10-2009 05:20 PM ET (US)
Using Chart Navigator 11535, how do you interpret the information at positions:
33 deg. 31.165' N
078 deg. 57.824' W
and
33 deg. 30.724' N
079 deg. 00.635' W

It sure looks like there is some opportunity for standardization between the various charting organizations.
aubv posted 05-10-2009 06:46 PM ET (US)
Waccamaw Whaler,
Are you referring to RW "MI" Mo (A)WHIS and Y N Priv (Auth min 16 feet)?
Waccamaw Whaler posted 05-10-2009 08:34 PM ET (US)
aubv - YES
aubv posted 05-10-2009 09:44 PM ET (US)
Waccamaw Whaler,
RW "MI" MO A WHIS RW is the color-Red and White(red and white buoys mark center of channel, fairways and offshore approach points and indicates unobstructed water on all sides. "MI" stands for the letters displayed on the buoy. Mo A -the flashing light(white)flashes Morse code A. Whis- the buoy has a whistle.

Y N priv is a special purpose buoy. Y is for color-Yellow. N is for NUN(vs Can) it has no letters or numbers but as per chart has a min depth of 16'.
You might want to take a look at the link below and or get a copy of CHAPMAN PILOTING Seamanship & Small boat Handling
http://www.uscgboating.org/SAFETY/aton/aids.htm
Hope this helps.
Waccamaw Whaler posted 05-10-2009 10:16 PM ET (US)
Thank you. I looked at numerious web sites showing markers but just couldn't piece it together. Your site is the best I have seen. I carry a laminated chart marker but it didn't have all the necessary information.
On the note marked - RW "MI" Mo (A)WHIS and Y N Priv (Auth min 16 feet) there is also a note "Fish Haven". Is this a 'preferred' fishing site vs. a 'restricted' area or something different?
Ron
jimh posted 05-11-2009 08:36 AM ET (US)
Get NOAA Chart No. 1. It gives explanation of all the symbols and abbreviations.
Get the Coastal Pilot for your area. It gives details on all features of the waterway, structures, special rules, procedures, and so on.
One abbreviation that I saw but never understood (until I bought Chart No. 1) was the notation "ED."
jimh posted 05-11-2009 08:39 AM ET (US)
A notation of "Fish Haven" means it is a haven for fish. "Haven" means a place of safety, thus a place of safety for the fish. In other words, you can't fish there.
aubv posted 05-11-2009 09:33 AM ET (US)
Jimh,
A "Fish Haven" notation does not mean a place where one can not fish. Infact, in many instances it actually is an artificial reef designed specificially for fishing.
If an area has some kind of magenta border then there may be restrictions, prohibitions, etc. depending on the kind of border and notes.
Waccamaw Whaler posted 05-11-2009 12:01 PM ET (US)
A local man was telling me about a location where smaller craft go to fish. He didn't know the coordinates but from what he was describing I believe this may be the place. In that there is an obstruction at that site I thought it might be a sunken boat or other man-made fish attraction.
Jim, I had looked at NOAA Chart No. 1 on the internet but after flipping through so many sites and pages I still had questions. I'm new to chart reading, some of the symbols are sticking with me but others probably never will, at least until I have need to know more about them.
Thanks for the input.
jimh posted 05-11-2009 02:39 PM ET (US)
In interpreting "fish haven" I am using the definition of the two words.
If the notation is to indicate a good place to fish, it should say "fisherman's haven."
Usually a chart is annotated with more information regarding restricted areas, although sometimes those small magenta lines can be hard to see.
By the way, "ED" means "existence doubtful" and is used to annotate a wreck or other obstruction on the chart about which there is now some doubt of authenticity.
K Albus posted 05-11-2009 02:51 PM ET (US)
For a definition of "Fish Haven" see NOAA Chart No. 1 at page 45, i.e., page 3 at the following link: http://www.nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/mcd/chart1/K.pdf
A "Fish Haven" is an "artificial fishing reef".
jimh posted 05-11-2009 03:05 PM ET (US)
I agree that a "fish haven" is mentioned on page K45 or K46, but the concept that you are allowed to fish there is just imputed by the reader. I don't see a basis to interpret "fish haven" as always meaning it is OK to fish. There are some areas where it is not OK to fish, and these might be "fish havens" (i.e., a safe place for the fish), too.
Buckda posted 05-11-2009 03:23 PM ET (US)
The descriptor "artificial fishing reef" imputes enough information that a reasonable person would, using the available charts, translate to mean a reef that was installed (artificial) for fishing.
Not a safe haven for fish. In fact, an economic engine to fuel the sportfishing industry.
So I disagree with you Jim. A fish sanctuary would be a place that I would interpret as having restrictions or outright bans on the activity of humans fishing for fish.
Such areas are also usually marked as 'restricted'.
Brian7son posted 05-12-2009 09:13 AM ET (US)
When I read this post, initially, I agreed 100% with Jimh. I always thought that "fish haven" was a self explanatory term. I thought that it meant no fishing in that area. Pretty much, anywhere on land where there is wildlife and the term "haven" is used, you cant hunt there.
You guys got my curiosity going on this one. Therefore, I went to the NOAA website and posted the question directly to NOAA.
Here's the official NOAA reply:
"The term "Fish Haven" does not mean that fishing is not allowed. It is usually the term that is used to designate an artificial reef area. Fishing is often allowed in these areas. Consult your local state fishing authority for regulations covering specific fish havens."
You learn something every day. I was not aware of that.
Why on earth would they not just call it an "artifical reef" on the chart? Anyway, thanks for bringing this topic up.

pglein posted 05-12-2009 01:42 PM ET (US)
Chart No. 1 is the official, and thus the preferred, reference for interpreting NOAA chart notations. I've been reading nautical charts my entire life, but I still run into buoy notations that I can't quite decipher without the help of this reference. Thus, I keep a copy on board, and nearby. Fortunately now, with my electronic charts, I can usually just pull up the meta-data on the buoy and it will explain it in plain english.
NOAA does not include up-to-date fishing regulations on their charts. For that, you would need to refer to the local agency with authority. In most cases, this will be the state department of fisheries or wildlife. In Washington, they publish a yearly booklet with maps and specific rules, as well as broadcast emergency rule changes via the internet and email (for those signed up to receive them). I would imagine most states do the same thing.
Certainly, the existence of a "fish haven" notation on a NOAA chart would suggest that one might want to check the local fishing regulations for that area before wetting a line.
pglein posted 05-12-2009 01:43 PM ET (US)
Jimh,
I always thought "ED" meant "Erectile Dysfunction".
hauptjm posted 05-12-2009 04:17 PM ET (US)
Funny, in all the years I've noted "fish haven" on charts, I assumed it was just an indicator for a natural or artificial reef. Unless otherwise noted, I have fished quite a few. Some were more accurate than others.
aubv posted 05-12-2009 05:10 PM ET (US)
Considering "fish Haven" is on a nautical chart and is a place that boats might be actively fishing(drifting, anchor, trolling) along with the possibility of small floats for traps, seems to me to be a notice to mariners.
Waccamaw Whaler posted 05-12-2009 06:36 PM ET (US)
Through the SC Dept. of Nat. Resources website I found a list of artificial reefs that are off the coast of SC.
"Paradise Reef" is located at position N33 31.071 W78 58.140 vs. the NOAA "Fish Haven" notation at N33 31.089 W78 58.103. My guess is they are one in the same in that they would only be about 200 ft. apart.
The SCDNR notation is:

"Paradise Reef
LORAN C-45465.2/59761.9
GPS-33 31.071/078 58.140
2 buoys mark reef, bearing 105�/3.2 nm from south jetty at Murrells Inlet.
Small Object 33 30.930/078 57.999
Concrete Reef Balls 33 30.959/078 58.051
Water depth 30-35"

There are NO restrictions indicated which I would expect if there were any and I certainly wouldn't expect concrete balls to be dropped if not for attracting fish & fishermen.
WT posted 05-12-2009 07:04 PM ET (US)
I suppose a fish would not know that it is a "fish haven" unless it could read nautical charts.
Mumbo Jumbo posted 05-12-2009 08:53 PM ET (US)
Check out this link: [urlhttp://tinyurl.com/fish-have[/url]
Mumbo Jumbo posted 05-12-2009 08:54 PM ET (US)
Well, try this one: http://tinyurl.com/fish-have
Mumbo Jumbo posted 05-12-2009 08:56 PM ET (US)
Last try: http://tinyurl.com/fish-haven
fourdfish posted 05-12-2009 10:17 PM ET (US)
You will find some protected fishing areas on some of the NOAA charts. Example: Lake trout protected no fishing areas in the Great Lakes. They are not labeled fish havens and no lake trout fishing is allowed in these areas.
jimh posted 05-13-2009 02:19 PM ET (US)
When an artificial reef is made it generally reduces the water depth, Since the purpose of the chart is to convey the depth of the water, this depth reduction is noted on the chart. Apparently the people who make the charts use several notations for obstructions like this, including "artificial reef" and "fish haven." This is not really at issue in this discussion. The chart contains depth information, and when the depth is reduced the chart notes it. Since these artificial reefs may likely reduce the depth in a sudden or anticipated manner, they get special marking to make them more noticeable to the chart reader.
What has not been demonstrated in any way is that the presence of the words "artificial reef" being associated with "fish haven" in certain NOAA publications somehow implies that fishing is automatically permitted at these sites.
It is not reasonable to deduce that fishing is permitted from the words "fish haven" because their literal meaning is "a safe place for the fish," and I think we could all agree that getting caught is not particularly safe for the fish. Getting caught is the antithesis of safety for the fish.
Many portions of waterways have regulations which are not shown on NOAA Charts. For example, in the lower Detroit River there are many No-Wake zones, but none are shown on the NOAA chart. To be informed of what sorts of boat activity are allowed, you have to rely on more than a NOAA chart.
Buckda posted 05-13-2009 02:38 PM ET (US)
I disagree that the sole purpose of a chart is to convey depth information. I believe that the purpose is to convey navigation information to aid the user in his/her passage. A significant portion of that information includes soundings to provide the user with a general idea/expectation of the depth of water at his present and anticipated locations.
There are lots of non-depth information present on charts and a big reason for that information is to provide aid in helping the user locate himself relative to the items on the chart to aid his passage.
For instance: Radio towers on shore are often marked on charts. Additionally, descriptions of bridges and other "landmark" types of items (i.e. buildings, etc) are often marked on charts. If there are unique shoreline characteristics, i.e. steep topography, urbanized areas, etc - these often show up on charts as well.
The charts indicate the relative positions of navigational aides like lighthouses, buoys and beacons - those aren't always related to depth. (i.e. fairway buoys, weather bouys, etc.)
hauptjm posted 05-13-2009 03:26 PM ET (US)
jimh states:

quote:
It is not reasonable to deduce that fishing is permitted from the words "fish haven" because their literal meaning is "a safe place for the fish," and I think we could all agree that getting caught is not particularly safe for the fish. Getting caught is the antithesis of safety for the fish.
jimh, I believe the indication is not the dangers of getting caught by humans, but rather it is a safe haven for the natural predators in their environments. Since, a reef (artificial or natural), wreck, or some other structure provides a "safe Haven" from predators, it is the logical place for non-natural predators (humans) to seek said fish. Now, you could argue that Man is a predator, but certainly not natural, for if it was not for the very un-natural vessel getting him/her to that haven, the two would never meet.
Whew!
K Albus posted 05-13-2009 04:15 PM ET (US)
As far as I can tell, regardless of what fourdfish states above, NOAA charts do not provide any information about where fishing is or is not allowed.
Chart No. 1 simply indicates that the marking "Fish Haven" means an "artificial fishing reef". To me that means that something artificial has placed underwater to provide habitat for fish. It does not say anything about when, if, or under what conditions fishing is allowed.
jimh posted 05-13-2009 06:31 PM ET (US)
Dave writes:
"I disagree that the sole purpose of a chart is to convey depth information."
I do, as well. I am not sure who you are disagreeing with, but it's not with me. Charts show all sorts of information other than depth. For example, they show the geographic position of the land. So game over for whomever it is that says that charts only show depth of the water.
jimh posted 05-13-2009 06:35 PM ET (US)
hauptjim writes:
"...I believe the indication [of "fish haven"] is not the dangers of getting caught by humans, but rather it is a safe haven for the natural predators in their environments."
Yes, I agree with that interpretation. The people who make the charts for NOAA may have had that in mind when they described the artificial reefs as fish havens. For the smaller fish the artificial reefs may be havens from larger fish. The artificial reefs might also be considered fish attractors. They attract smaller fish by providing a haven, and the simple fact that they thus concentrate small fish probably attracts larger fish, which are more interesting for the angler.

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Author	Topic: Reading Nautical Charts
Waccamaw Whaler	posted 05-10-2009 05:20 PM ET (US) Using Chart Navigator 11535, how do you interpret the information at positions: 33 deg. 31.165' N 078 deg. 57.824' W and 33 deg. 30.724' N 079 deg. 00.635' W It sure looks like there is some opportunity for standardization between the various charting organizations.
aubv	posted 05-10-2009 06:46 PM ET (US) Waccamaw Whaler, Are you referring to RW "MI" Mo (A)WHIS and Y N Priv (Auth min 16 feet)?
Waccamaw Whaler	posted 05-10-2009 08:34 PM ET (US) aubv - YES
aubv	posted 05-10-2009 09:44 PM ET (US) Waccamaw Whaler, RW "MI" MO A WHIS RW is the color-Red and White(red and white buoys mark center of channel, fairways and offshore approach points and indicates unobstructed water on all sides. "MI" stands for the letters displayed on the buoy. Mo A -the flashing light(white)flashes Morse code A. Whis- the buoy has a whistle. Y N priv is a special purpose buoy. Y is for color-Yellow. N is for NUN(vs Can) it has no letters or numbers but as per chart has a min depth of 16'. You might want to take a look at the link below and or get a copy of CHAPMAN PILOTING Seamanship & Small boat Handling http://www.uscgboating.org/SAFETY/aton/aids.htm Hope this helps.
Waccamaw Whaler	posted 05-10-2009 10:16 PM ET (US) Thank you. I looked at numerious web sites showing markers but just couldn't piece it together. Your site is the best I have seen. I carry a laminated chart marker but it didn't have all the necessary information. On the note marked - RW "MI" Mo (A)WHIS and Y N Priv (Auth min 16 feet) there is also a note "Fish Haven". Is this a 'preferred' fishing site vs. a 'restricted' area or something different? Ron
jimh	posted 05-11-2009 08:36 AM ET (US) Get NOAA Chart No. 1. It gives explanation of all the symbols and abbreviations. Get the Coastal Pilot for your area. It gives details on all features of the waterway, structures, special rules, procedures, and so on. One abbreviation that I saw but never understood (until I bought Chart No. 1) was the notation "ED."
jimh	posted 05-11-2009 08:39 AM ET (US) A notation of "Fish Haven" means it is a haven for fish. "Haven" means a place of safety, thus a place of safety for the fish. In other words, you can't fish there.
aubv	posted 05-11-2009 09:33 AM ET (US) Jimh, A "Fish Haven" notation does not mean a place where one can not fish. Infact, in many instances it actually is an artificial reef designed specificially for fishing. If an area has some kind of magenta border then there may be restrictions, prohibitions, etc. depending on the kind of border and notes.
Waccamaw Whaler	posted 05-11-2009 12:01 PM ET (US) A local man was telling me about a location where smaller craft go to fish. He didn't know the coordinates but from what he was describing I believe this may be the place. In that there is an obstruction at that site I thought it might be a sunken boat or other man-made fish attraction. Jim, I had looked at NOAA Chart No. 1 on the internet but after flipping through so many sites and pages I still had questions. I'm new to chart reading, some of the symbols are sticking with me but others probably never will, at least until I have need to know more about them. Thanks for the input.
jimh	posted 05-11-2009 02:39 PM ET (US) In interpreting "fish haven" I am using the definition of the two words. If the notation is to indicate a good place to fish, it should say "fisherman's haven." Usually a chart is annotated with more information regarding restricted areas, although sometimes those small magenta lines can be hard to see. By the way, "ED" means "existence doubtful" and is used to annotate a wreck or other obstruction on the chart about which there is now some doubt of authenticity.
K Albus	posted 05-11-2009 02:51 PM ET (US) For a definition of "Fish Haven" see NOAA Chart No. 1 at page 45, i.e., page 3 at the following link: http://www.nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/mcd/chart1/K.pdf A "Fish Haven" is an "artificial fishing reef".
jimh	posted 05-11-2009 03:05 PM ET (US) I agree that a "fish haven" is mentioned on page K45 or K46, but the concept that you are allowed to fish there is just imputed by the reader. I don't see a basis to interpret "fish haven" as always meaning it is OK to fish. There are some areas where it is not OK to fish, and these might be "fish havens" (i.e., a safe place for the fish), too.
Buckda	posted 05-11-2009 03:23 PM ET (US) The descriptor "artificial fishing reef" imputes enough information that a reasonable person would, using the available charts, translate to mean a reef that was installed (artificial) for fishing. Not a safe haven for fish. In fact, an economic engine to fuel the sportfishing industry. So I disagree with you Jim. A fish sanctuary would be a place that I would interpret as having restrictions or outright bans on the activity of humans fishing for fish. Such areas are also usually marked as 'restricted'.
Brian7son	posted 05-12-2009 09:13 AM ET (US) When I read this post, initially, I agreed 100% with Jimh. I always thought that "fish haven" was a self explanatory term. I thought that it meant no fishing in that area. Pretty much, anywhere on land where there is wildlife and the term "haven" is used, you cant hunt there. You guys got my curiosity going on this one. Therefore, I went to the NOAA website and posted the question directly to NOAA. Here's the official NOAA reply: "The term "Fish Haven" does not mean that fishing is not allowed. It is usually the term that is used to designate an artificial reef area. Fishing is often allowed in these areas. Consult your local state fishing authority for regulations covering specific fish havens." You learn something every day. I was not aware of that. Why on earth would they not just call it an "artifical reef" on the chart? Anyway, thanks for bringing this topic up.
pglein	posted 05-12-2009 01:42 PM ET (US) Chart No. 1 is the official, and thus the preferred, reference for interpreting NOAA chart notations. I've been reading nautical charts my entire life, but I still run into buoy notations that I can't quite decipher without the help of this reference. Thus, I keep a copy on board, and nearby. Fortunately now, with my electronic charts, I can usually just pull up the meta-data on the buoy and it will explain it in plain english. NOAA does not include up-to-date fishing regulations on their charts. For that, you would need to refer to the local agency with authority. In most cases, this will be the state department of fisheries or wildlife. In Washington, they publish a yearly booklet with maps and specific rules, as well as broadcast emergency rule changes via the internet and email (for those signed up to receive them). I would imagine most states do the same thing. Certainly, the existence of a "fish haven" notation on a NOAA chart would suggest that one might want to check the local fishing regulations for that area before wetting a line.
pglein	posted 05-12-2009 01:43 PM ET (US) Jimh, I always thought "ED" meant "Erectile Dysfunction".
hauptjm	posted 05-12-2009 04:17 PM ET (US) Funny, in all the years I've noted "fish haven" on charts, I assumed it was just an indicator for a natural or artificial reef. Unless otherwise noted, I have fished quite a few. Some were more accurate than others.
aubv	posted 05-12-2009 05:10 PM ET (US) Considering "fish Haven" is on a nautical chart and is a place that boats might be actively fishing(drifting, anchor, trolling) along with the possibility of small floats for traps, seems to me to be a notice to mariners.
Waccamaw Whaler	posted 05-12-2009 06:36 PM ET (US) Through the SC Dept. of Nat. Resources website I found a list of artificial reefs that are off the coast of SC. "Paradise Reef" is located at position N33 31.071 W78 58.140 vs. the NOAA "Fish Haven" notation at N33 31.089 W78 58.103. My guess is they are one in the same in that they would only be about 200 ft. apart. The SCDNR notation is: "Paradise Reef LORAN C-45465.2/59761.9 GPS-33 31.071/078 58.140 2 buoys mark reef, bearing 105�/3.2 nm from south jetty at Murrells Inlet. Small Object 33 30.930/078 57.999 Concrete Reef Balls 33 30.959/078 58.051 Water depth 30-35" There are NO restrictions indicated which I would expect if there were any and I certainly wouldn't expect concrete balls to be dropped if not for attracting fish & fishermen.
WT	posted 05-12-2009 07:04 PM ET (US) I suppose a fish would not know that it is a "fish haven" unless it could read nautical charts.
Mumbo Jumbo	posted 05-12-2009 08:53 PM ET (US) Check out this link: [urlhttp://tinyurl.com/fish-have[/url]
Mumbo Jumbo	posted 05-12-2009 08:54 PM ET (US) Well, try this one: http://tinyurl.com/fish-have
Mumbo Jumbo	posted 05-12-2009 08:56 PM ET (US) Last try: http://tinyurl.com/fish-haven
fourdfish	posted 05-12-2009 10:17 PM ET (US) You will find some protected fishing areas on some of the NOAA charts. Example: Lake trout protected no fishing areas in the Great Lakes. They are not labeled fish havens and no lake trout fishing is allowed in these areas.
jimh	posted 05-13-2009 02:19 PM ET (US) When an artificial reef is made it generally reduces the water depth, Since the purpose of the chart is to convey the depth of the water, this depth reduction is noted on the chart. Apparently the people who make the charts use several notations for obstructions like this, including "artificial reef" and "fish haven." This is not really at issue in this discussion. The chart contains depth information, and when the depth is reduced the chart notes it. Since these artificial reefs may likely reduce the depth in a sudden or anticipated manner, they get special marking to make them more noticeable to the chart reader. What has not been demonstrated in any way is that the presence of the words "artificial reef" being associated with "fish haven" in certain NOAA publications somehow implies that fishing is automatically permitted at these sites. It is not reasonable to deduce that fishing is permitted from the words "fish haven" because their literal meaning is "a safe place for the fish," and I think we could all agree that getting caught is not particularly safe for the fish. Getting caught is the antithesis of safety for the fish. Many portions of waterways have regulations which are not shown on NOAA Charts. For example, in the lower Detroit River there are many No-Wake zones, but none are shown on the NOAA chart. To be informed of what sorts of boat activity are allowed, you have to rely on more than a NOAA chart.
Buckda	posted 05-13-2009 02:38 PM ET (US) I disagree that the sole purpose of a chart is to convey depth information. I believe that the purpose is to convey navigation information to aid the user in his/her passage. A significant portion of that information includes soundings to provide the user with a general idea/expectation of the depth of water at his present and anticipated locations. There are lots of non-depth information present on charts and a big reason for that information is to provide aid in helping the user locate himself relative to the items on the chart to aid his passage. For instance: Radio towers on shore are often marked on charts. Additionally, descriptions of bridges and other "landmark" types of items (i.e. buildings, etc) are often marked on charts. If there are unique shoreline characteristics, i.e. steep topography, urbanized areas, etc - these often show up on charts as well. The charts indicate the relative positions of navigational aides like lighthouses, buoys and beacons - those aren't always related to depth. (i.e. fairway buoys, weather bouys, etc.)
hauptjm	posted 05-13-2009 03:26 PM ET (US) jimh states: quote: It is not reasonable to deduce that fishing is permitted from the words "fish haven" because their literal meaning is "a safe place for the fish," and I think we could all agree that getting caught is not particularly safe for the fish. Getting caught is the antithesis of safety for the fish. jimh, I believe the indication is not the dangers of getting caught by humans, but rather it is a safe haven for the natural predators in their environments. Since, a reef (artificial or natural), wreck, or some other structure provides a "safe Haven" from predators, it is the logical place for non-natural predators (humans) to seek said fish. Now, you could argue that Man is a predator, but certainly not natural, for if it was not for the very un-natural vessel getting him/her to that haven, the two would never meet. Whew!
K Albus	posted 05-13-2009 04:15 PM ET (US) As far as I can tell, regardless of what fourdfish states above, NOAA charts do not provide any information about where fishing is or is not allowed. Chart No. 1 simply indicates that the marking "Fish Haven" means an "artificial fishing reef". To me that means that something artificial has placed underwater to provide habitat for fish. It does not say anything about when, if, or under what conditions fishing is allowed.
jimh	posted 05-13-2009 06:31 PM ET (US) Dave writes: "I disagree that the sole purpose of a chart is to convey depth information." I do, as well. I am not sure who you are disagreeing with, but it's not with me. Charts show all sorts of information other than depth. For example, they show the geographic position of the land. So game over for whomever it is that says that charts only show depth of the water.
jimh	posted 05-13-2009 06:35 PM ET (US) hauptjim writes: "...I believe the indication [of "fish haven"] is not the dangers of getting caught by humans, but rather it is a safe haven for the natural predators in their environments." Yes, I agree with that interpretation. The people who make the charts for NOAA may have had that in mind when they described the artificial reefs as fish havens. For the smaller fish the artificial reefs may be havens from larger fish. The artificial reefs might also be considered fish attractors. They attract smaller fish by providing a haven, and the simple fact that they thus concentrate small fish probably attracts larger fish, which are more interesting for the angler.