Searched for
SECOND LARGEST REEF SYSTEM IN THE WORLD
In 2009, Belize’s Barrier Reef System was listed as endangered by UNESCO. 9 years later, oil drilling limits and protected fishing zones helped reverse its declineBelize's Barrier Reef Reserve System was removed from UNESCO's danger list in 2018. This followed the country's implementation of crucial c...- Leonardo DiCaprio's Re:wild used 90 countries to fight ecosystem loss through local partnerships; its work still spans 590 million acres in active conservation worldwideLeonardo DiCaprio’s Re shows that protecting nature often begins with the people who live closest to it. Across 90 countries, the organizat...
- 1978, Massachusetts developed a 127-acre reef of 2,500 concrete-filled tire bundles in Nantucket Sound; a 2019 survey found fish arrived in about 33 seconds at reefs versus nearly eight minutes over bare sandNearly fifty years ago, Massachusetts introduced tire reefs to enhance marine ecosystems. Recent research indicates that these structures n...
- 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 1998, scientists recorded world's first mass bleaching event, years later study finds global coral cover well below normal levels as reefs at risk of irreversible decline threatening marine life, ocean livelihood, El Nino weather raises fearsWith El Niño weather patterns intensifying and ocean surface temperatures reaching a record high of 21.1 degrees Celsius (69.98°F) on Augus...
- At 18, this Virginia teen helped 70 young volunteers to restore the Chesapeake Bay. They removed nearly 5,000 pounds of debris in a yearAt just a teenager, James Hemphill launched a remarkable six-year environmental initiative. Co-founding Project Green Teens, he rallied num...
- In the mid-late 1970s, Florida sank an F-101, F-102, T-33 and Sikorsky off Bay County; the aircraft served as fishing and diving reefs for more than 10 yearsIn the 1970s, Florida made a bold choice by sinking military jets and helicopters into the Gulf of Mexico, creating makeshift fishing and d...
- 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 1945, Percy Spencer noticed something unusual while working on radar equipment: the candy bar in his pocket had melted. The engineer began experimenting with popcorn and an egg, eventually setting him on the path to developing the microwave oven.In 1945, Percy Spencer made a casual observation that led to a major change in food preparation. Standing next to a magnetron one day, he n...
- 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 2002, South Australia scuttled ex-HMAS Hobart in 2 minutes and 17 seconds; 18 years later, a marine survey recorded more than 50 fish species around the destroyerThe HMAS Hobart, once a formidable navy destroyer, has transformed into a vibrant artificial reef after being submerged for eighteen years....
- In 2010, Thailand lowered 25 retired battle tanks into 80 feet of water off Narathiwat; a decade later, local fishermen reported a sharp boost in catchesThailand's army sank obsolete battle tanks and railway cars into the Gulf of Thailand. This initiative aimed to create new fishing grounds ...
- In 2017, Jordan sank a 100-foot C-130 Hercules cargo plane off Aqaba; marine life has been colonizing it ever sinceA retired Jordanian C-130 Hercules plane was intentionally sunk offshore Aqaba. This created an artificial reef to foster marine life and c...
- This city in Florida lost nearly 80% of its Oyster reefs; now a restoration project is rebuilding what disappeared. Here's howNaples Bay is taking an innovative step by restoring its oyster reefs, which will enhance natural shoreline defenses. These vital reefs pla...
- Science says sand isn’t always made from rocks: Some beaches are built from the remains of living thingsThe next time you stroll along a white tropical beach, remember that the sand beneath your feet may have a far more complex origin than ero...
- In 1997, HMCS Saskatchewan was sunk off Nanaimo; 448 days later divers recorded 46 taxa, including 9 molluscs and 7 echinodermsIn British Columbia, artificial reefs are transforming the marine landscape, demonstrating swift colonization by diverse marine species wit...
- 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...
- A 1994 study placed tire reefs in concrete canals in California and Arizona; invertebrate densities tripled, and fish densities rose 20-fold near reefsConcrete canals, while conserving water, harmed aquatic ecosystems. Researchers tested old tires to create habitats for canal wildlife. Inv...
- 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 ...
Load More
