WW-II ship to become world's second largest artificial reef

The General Hoyt Vandenberg, a war retired ship is all set to step the ocean floor as an artificial reef in the Gulf of Mexico. The project aims to protect the natural reef and attract a large number of tourists.

ww i artificial vandenberg

According to reports, this is the first ever war ship to become the world’s second largest artificial reef. It took more than months to prepare a ground- work for sinking the $8.6 venture. All the harmful substances were removed from the ship at Norfolk, Virginia shipyards in order to make sure that the ship is safe enough to takes its new place in the ocean.

Can artificial reefs replace natural ecosystems?

gen

Coral reefs not only provide a habitat for the sea flora and fauna, but also enriches the ecosystem with marine resources. Besides endowing a protected port for shipping vessels and small boats, it also serves to reduce flooding and coastal erosion. Therefore, there is no two ways that an artificial reef will also solve the same purpose of controlling the beach erosion and promoting marine life. Although the history of artificial reefs dates back to a century, with the advancement in technology, we have witnessed the emergence of new ways. In the late 2000, the MTA New York City Transit switched from its outdated fleet of subway cars to R142 and R142A trains. However, it seems a grand idea to turn the heap of retired oilrig navy ship or fleet of subway cars to artificial reefs that would otherwise add to the nation's bump mountain of waste.

Positive Impact

Artificial Reefs provides a home for fish and other ocean flora and fauna. Various organisms such as corals and sponges start covering the material and with the passage of time larger animals attract the place and hence it becomes difficult to distinguish between a natural and an artificial reef; so no doubt it becomes a fully functioning ecosystem within a short span of time. These locations not only help the natural marine species to get well from harmful effects but also enhance fish population. Along with this, it also offers amazing eco-tourism and educational opportunities igniting interest in the underwater environment while providing immense chances for research.

Slideshow

Artificial Reef

The artificial side cannot be ignored

Artificial reefs simply work to attract and concentrate fish, making them easier to exploit and more exposed to over-fishing. When there is an increasing number of proposals to create artificial reefs on the floor, some scientists worry that the disposal of waste on such a large scale into the sea, in order to solve the commercial purpose of fishing and diving, could show the way to a submerged junkyard, which is not at all a good indication for our environment.

Via: AboutMyPlanet