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LARGEST ARTIFICIAL REEF
In 1952, the US built a ship with a secret military purpose that still holds a world speed record. Now, it’s set to become the world’s largest artificial reefThe SS United States, once a majestic passenger liner, is set to embark on a unique destiny as it plans to be intentionally sunk in Novembe...
Florida was throwing away damaged metal signposts. In 2026, they are being turned into underwater habitatsIn Florida counties, discarded road signposts are being creatively repurposed into underwater habitats. These metal structures are transfor...
In 2016, Texas built RGV Reef from 477 piles of railroad ties and concrete across 1,650 acres off South Padre Island; sonar estimated 24.4 tons of fish biomass thereA groundbreaking artificial reef off the Texas coast now sustains more than twenty-four tons of fish biomass. Constructed from discarded ra...
In 1995, Hurricane Luis damaged Maiden Island Reef in the Caribbean, already hit by development. Years later, Reef Balls supported 5,000 new coral colonies representing 30 speciesReef Balls are designed artificial reef modules mimicking natural structures. These concrete units provide habitat and shelter for marine s...
In 1972, Florida dumped 2 million tires into the ocean to build the world’s largest man-made reef; decades later, the military had to remove themIn 1972, old tires were submerged as an artificial reef, but they didn't succeed in fostering marine life and instead became a daunting env...
In 2009, Jacksonville sank the former Coast Guard tender Spike in 100 feet of water; one year later, a REEF diver counted 16 fish species, up from just 6An ex-Coast Guard ship now stands as an artificial reef, drawing the attention of vibrant marine life. At first, the submerged metal hull w...
In 2009, Key West sank the 523-foot Vandenberg in 140 feet of water; one year later, REEF monitoring had documented 123 fish species on the former shipIn 2009, the retired missile ship Gen. Hoyt S. Vandenberg was deliberately sunk near Key West, giving rise to a significant artificial reef...
In 2024, researchers tested crushed waste concrete as a base for Chesapeake oyster reefs; oyster spat grew and survived with no detectable hydrocarbon leachingIn the Chesapeake Bay, recycled concrete rubble is proving to be a nursery for young oysters. Scientists have discovered that this crushed ...
In 2019, Australia lowered a 58-ton concrete greenhouse into the Great Barrier Reef; the 12-metre underwater structure became a living artwork and coral habitatNestled beneath the waves near John Brewer Reef in Australia lies an innovative Coral Greenhouse sculpture crafted from pH-neutral cement, ...
New installations emerge on islet as China accelerates South China Sea build-upNew military installations have been sighted on an islet near Antelope Reef. Analysts believe China is building its largest military base t...
In 2002, Florida sank a 510-foot Navy ship off Key Largo; the USS Spiegel Grove became one of the world's largest purpose-built ship reefsIn 2002, the USS Spiegel Grove, a decommissioned Navy ship, was purposely sunk near Key Largo to form an artificial reef. This innovative a...
In 2023, Georgia sank two retired Atlanta commuter trains; seven months later, divers found corals, fish, and other marine life colonizing the railcarsRetired MARTA train cars were sunk off Georgia's coast to create new reefs. Divers found marine life and coral growth on the cars within se...
In 2016, Turkey deliberately sank an entire Airbus A300, turning a passenger jet into an artificial reef, 75 feet below the surfaceA decommissioned Airbus A300 was deliberately submerged off the coast of Turkey to enhance diving tourism and safeguard marine ecosystems. ...
In 1982, Delaware’s former tanker was built for a life at sea carrying oil. 44 years later, the vessel was deliberately sunk off Delaware’s coast, beginning a second life as an artificial reef for marine speciesThe Calcasieu Pass vessel, constructed in 1982 for oil operations, has made a remarkable transition to become a key component of Delaware's...
Between 2001 and 2010, more than 2,500 New York subway cars were sunk into the Atlantic — decades later, they have become a thriving underwater reefA fleet of old subway cars from New York City has found an unexpected second life at the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean. Sunk off the Delawar...
In 1970, US dumped 2 million tires into the ocean; a plan to save marine life turned into one of the biggest environmental blundersIn 1972, more than 2 million old tires were dumped into the Atlantic Ocean off Florida. The goal was simple. Create an artificial reef and ...
From iconic luxury liner to world’s largest artificial reef: SS United States sets sail for its final voyageThe SS United States, once the fastest ocean liner, is making its final journey to become the world's largest artificial reef off Florida's...
A storied luxury liner may soon find a new life on seafloorThe SS United States, once a luxurious ocean liner, might soon become the world's largest artificial reef off the coast of Florida. The sta...
Philippines says more than 135 Chinese boats 'swarming' reef off its coastThe Philippines said Sunday more than 135 Chinese vessels were "swarming" a reef off its coast, describing the boats' growing presence as "...
China's military facilities on man-made SCS islands nearly ready: ReportChinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokeswoman Hua Chunying said today she was not aware of the report's details but reiterated the Spratl...