Artificial Reefs

Artificial reef's are created for a variety of reasons, including:

Establishing marine havens
Modifying the marine environment
Recreational Diving
Scientific Research
Replenishing fish stocks

An artificial reef can range in size from a car body to a battleship. If it sits on the sea floor in an area free from other rock formations, the reef will over time attract a variety of marine creatures, which either take up residence or use the protection it provides as a "nursery" for new fish life.

An artificial reef is created either by accident or design. A reef which is created unintentially is generally a ship which has come to grief. There are many examples of shipwreck reefs in Australia and overseas waters.

Some Examples:

Storms – sending the vessel to the bottom, The Kiama, Galava, Myola
Accidents – Striking submerged objects, The Titanic, World Discoverer
War – Ships under attack, President Coolidge, USS Aaron Ward, San Fransisco

Most shipwreck reefs are formed in tragic circumstances. There is often loss of life, the ship usually breaks up, it can become a shipping hazard and there may be pollutants on board. They can also be difficult to find later on.

A ship which is deliberately sunk to form an artificial reef has had much thought and activity invested in deciding where it 's going to go, how it will be sunk and it's long term effect on the marine environment. They are cleaned up, made diver safe and sunk in a controlled manner which ensures the ship is intact.

SCUBA divers just luurve diving on shipwreck reefs. For the diver, the attraction of swimming around and through a sunken ship, is irresistable. Planned Artificial reefs are especially desirable as the ship has been modified to specifically cater to divers.

Artificial reefs are much sought after, as environmental and economic studies have shown they create substantial benefits for the communities where they are located.