Raising Cane’s founder Todd Graves helps fund artificial reef installation near Grand Isle
GRAND ISLE, La. (WGNO) — An artificial reef is being installed to create new habitat for fish and oysters thanks to the generosity of Raising Cane’s Founder Todd Graves.
On Tuesday, Aug. 14, Graves and others traveled by boat to an area in the Barataria Bay where crews are constructing an artificial reef.
The reef, named Raising Cane’s Hotel Sid, was once a decommissioned oil and gas platform where Graves used to fish.
“As these old rigs were getting decommissioned and removed, we’re losing that structure, which creates an ecosystem with countless marine species,” said Graves. “Something had to fill that void, or those ecosystems just go away.”
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Graves donated $100,000 toward the installation of the reef, which is made up of 500 3D-printed concrete modules. The modules are called Cajun Coral, and each one weighs 400 pounds.
The new reef will create more than 10,000 square feet of living area for marine organisms.
Cajun Coral is a new kind of artificial reef that was created by the technology company Natrx and produced and installed by Danos, a company based out of Gray, Louisiana.
The installation is aided by Louisiana’s Coastal Conservation Association, Chevron and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.
“We’re very excited to have the Raising Cane’s Hotel Sid project in Louisiana,” said LDWF secretary Madison Sheahan. “Being able to have artificial reefs are a huge part of what we do as a department.”
The artificial reef will not only strengthen the local biodiversity but the economy as well.
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“You know, we’re the sportsman’s paradise. People come in from all over the state. They come in from all over the country to fish, and anglers spend money. They need fuel, they buy bait, they stay in hotels, go to restaurants, buy groceries and so on,” Graves said. “These local businesspeople need this.”
Graves implores other corporations to get involved while announcing his commitment to help fund four more reefs by donating an additional $400,000.
“Make an artificial reef with CCA,” said Graves. “Let’s restore this marine habitat.”
Raising Cane’s Hotel Sid marks the 52nd artificial reef for Louisiana’s Coastal Conservation Association. Other reefs are located in different parts of the state, as well as the East Coast and Hawaii.
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