Penfield Reef is a partially submerged
reef
A reef is a ridge or shoal of rock, coral or similar relatively stable material, lying beneath the surface of a natural body of water. Many reefs result from natural, abiotic processes— deposition of sand, wave erosion planing down rock o ...
that extends a mile into
Long Island Sound from the coast of
Fairfield, Connecticut. The reef is one of the most dangerous areas of Long Island Sound and continues to menace boaters despite the presence of the
Penfield Reef Lighthouse. The area was a
peninsula a few centuries ago, gradually worn down to a series of islands and eventually to a
shoal. Sand and stones collected from the reef for use as ballast on ships contributed to the rapid erosion. Cows once grazed on the peninsula, and two of the groups of rocks were later named "Cows" and "Calves" in recognition of the early history. The reef is known as an ideal fishing spot for
bluefish
The bluefish (''Pomatomus saltatrix'') is the only extant species of the family Pomatomidae. It is a marine pelagic fish found around the world in temperate and subtropical waters, except for the northern Pacific Ocean. Bluefish are known as ta ...
,
flounder and
striped bass. It was the site of the first civilian (and also the first winch) helicopter rescue.
Sikorsky Civilian Rescue
/ref>
References
Connecticut Coastal Access Guide
{{Authority control
Landforms of Fairfield County, Connecticut
Long Island Sound
Fairfield, Connecticut
Reefs of the Atlantic Ocean
Reefs of the United States
Landforms of Connecticut