SAGINAW, Mich. (WNEM) - Most reefs are associated with tropical waters and colorful fish, not the Great Lakes, but the Saginaw Bay was once the home of many rock reefs.

Created by glacial activity, the reefs provided a habitat for the bay’s fish. Over time, reef habitat was lost, buried by sediment due to logging, manufacturing and agricultural activity in the area. Now, efforts are underway to restore this lost habitat.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is partnering with several organizations on reef habitat projects, including the Channel Island Reef, which was recently completed.

A nearshore reef, the DNR said the Channel Island Reef is located in the bay near Channel Island (aka Spoils Island). It is made of natural rock that rises several feet from the bottom but

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