GRAND ISLE, La– As an avid conservationist and native Louisianan, Raising Cane’s owner and founder Todd Graves knows firsthand the importance marine conservation plays in the livelihood of Louisiana. On Wednesday, August 14, Graves is donating $100,000 to CCA Louisiana to help fund the installation of an artificial reef just off the coast of Grand Isle, Louisiana, which is located about two hours south of New Orleans.

Grand Isle – known as a year-round “sportsman’s paradise” – is located on a narrow barrier island spanning just under eight miles in the Gulf of Mexico. What it lacks in landmass it more than makes up for through its access to hundreds of productive waterways and more than 280 fish species. Among the hundreds of species ranging from offshore to shallow waters are yellowfin tuna, marlin, red snapper, redfish, tarpons and speckled trout.

Beginning at 11 a.m. CT on Wednesday, August 14, Graves will join representatives from CCA Louisiana, Danos, Natrx, and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries at the Grand Isle Marina located at 158 Sand Dollar Ct to commemorate the installation of CCA Louisiana’s largest inshore artificial reef in years. Following opening remarks and a check donation, attendees will board boats to see the installation of the reef in real time.

The new reef is made of “Cajun Coral,” which is a highly flexible type of 3D printed concrete by Natrx that’s safer and faster to install than traditional methods, promotes habitat growth and ecological benefits, and gets stronger over time. The reef will consist of four areas and utilize more than 500 coral modules – each weighing more than 400 pounds – to create more than 10,000 square feet of living reef, in turn providing a home for all marine species up and down the food chain.

The much-needed reef replaces an oil and gas platform called Hotel SID, which was located just east of the Barataria Waterway that connects the Gulf and Grand Isle to Lafitte and New Orleans. The platform served as a living reef for many years that attracted anglers from all areas as it was known to hold plenty of speckled trout until it was decommissioned and removed in 2023 due to low production. A void in that area of the bay has existed ever since, making the new reef a welcomed gift for local businesses and fisherman alike.

With a mission to protect and preserve marine resources for the enjoyment of future generations, CCA Louisiana has built and installed more than 50 reefs over the past 20 years. Due to several factors including coastal erosion, hurricanes, and the removal of old oil and gas platforms, Louisiana is losing an alarming amount of habitat every day. Artificial reefs play an important role in replenishing and conserving the state’s marine life and ecosystem by also creating habitats for healthy fisheries, which impact the entirety of coastal towns like Grand Isle that depend on thriving fisheries to survive. As one of Louisiana’s main marine conservation organizations, CCA’s efforts span artificial reefs, floating islands, tagging, and more.

DETAILS

WHAT: Todd Graves Donates $100,000 to CCA Louisiana to build and install artificial reef in Grand Isle, Louisiana

WHEN: 11 a.m. CT on Wednesday, August 14

WHERE: Grand Isle Marina at 158 Sand Dollar Ct, Grand Isle, LA 70358

CONTACT: If interested in covering, please call or text 303.517.8579 or email Megan Sprague at MSprague2@raisingcanes.com.

*Media are invited to attend the event on August 14 to shoot photos, film b-roll, and conduct a press session. If interested in covering, please call 303.517.8579 or email Megan Sprague at MSprague2@raisingcanes.com.

ABOUT RAISING CANE'S®:

Raising Cane’s is one of the fastest-growing restaurant brands, with 800+ Restaurants in 40+ states and plans to open 100 new Restaurants across several new markets in 2024. The company recently announced plans to be one of the top 10 Restaurant brands in the United States and is known for its ONE LOVE® – craveable Chicken Finger meals – which includes the iconic “Cane’s Sauce” – named the #1 most craveable sauce in the restaurant industry and most craveable chicken. For more information visit raisingcanes.com.