Calvert, Alabama (February 26, 2024) – AM/NS Calvert, a leading steel producer in the Gulf Coast region, announced today that it has donated $10,000 to Partners For Environmental Progress (PEP) Foundation to support the Eagle Reef Project, an initiative that aims to deploy 1,000 mini reefs in the coastal waters of Alabama to improve water quality and marine biodiversity.

The Eagle Reef Project was started by John Shell, an Eagle Scout who wanted to make a positive impact on the environment by creating artificial habitats for fish and crabs. The mini reefs are made of PVC pipes and marine rope, and are attached to docks and piers. They attract filter feeders such as oysters and barnacles, which help clean the water and provide food for other aquatic species. Each reef can filter up to 7.3 million gallons of water annually and generate thousands of fish and crabs per year.

AM/NS Calvert’s donation will help the PEP Foundation and the University of South Alabama Stokes School of Marine and Environmental Sciences to expand the Eagle Reef Project and deploy more reefs in strategic locations. The university will also monitor the reefs and test the water quality and the marine life around them.

“We are proud to support the Eagle Reef Project and its mission to restore and revitalize our coastal ecosystems,” said Chuck Greene, President, and CEO of AM/NS Calvert. “As a steel company, we are committed to environmental sustainability and social responsibility, and we believe that this project aligns with our values and vision. We hope that our contribution will help make a difference for the future of our waters and fisheries.”

“We are grateful to AM/NS Calvert for their generous donation and their partnership in this project,” said Jennifer Denson, executive director of PEP. “The Eagle Reef Project is a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation in solving environmental challenges. We are excited to work with AM/NS Calvert, the University of South Alabama, and John Shell to bring more reefs to our coast and enhance the health and beauty of our natural resources.”

For more information about the Eagle Reef Project, visit www.theeaglereef.com. For more information about AM/NS Calvert, visit www.amnscalvert.com.

For more information about PEP, visit www.pepmobile.org.