MG-111

MG-111, a Mississippi river barge intentionally sunk in 1995, now serves as an artificial reef. Covered in a tangle of concrete poles once used for street lighting, this 195-foot (59-meter) barge provides habitat for reef fish. Despite its unremarkable appearance, the diversity of marine life draws divers back repeatedly. Solitary goliath grouper are commonly spotted near the barge or on Warrior Reef. During breeding season, divers may witness goliath grouper in an active spawning aggregation, releasing gametes into the water. Approach with care, as these giants are more focused on each other than on nearby divers. Warrior Reef, located just 50 feet (15 meters) north of MG-111, consists of concrete pillars deployed in 2005. Originally part of a high school walkway, these 10-foot-tall (3-meter) pillars now provide additional habitat. Reef fish species, including porkfish, grey snapper, sergeant majors, and tomtates, thrive here. Stingrays also frequent the area. The goliath grouper, a highlight of the fauna, often rests near Warrior Reef’s columns. Divers can cautiously approach these impressive fish during spawning season, when they are less skittish.