Beneficial effects of artificial reefs

The sinking of Liberty class ships more than 40 years ago in an area called Mississippi Sound has had a great impact on the local flora and fauna, a US study has shown. Scientists have recorded the growth and increased development of life forms such as sea urchins, small corals and small fish. This has been followed by the emergence of an increasing number of large fish, for which ideal living and development conditions have been created.

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Libera class ships, were produced by the USA during World War II and were the strength of the country’s North American trade. During the 6 years of the war, over 2750 of these vessels were built in shipyards! All to help break the advance and later defence of Nazi Germany and Japan. What’s more, they didn’t even need 1 shot to do it. This was all thanks to an endless supply of tons of equipment, men and ammunition.

In the mid-1970s, some of these deserving vessels were cleaned of redundant elements and sunk. The aim of these actions was to increase the population of fish in the places where they were caught. The local species quickly adapted to the new bottom features and found them ideal refuges and hiding places for growth and reproduction.

It was also the first stage of a programme to develop artificial reefs, which turned out to be a huge success for its creators and continues to this day. Every year the USA increases the length of its artificial reefs, sinking new wrecks. Thanks to such actions, not only the natural environment has a chance for increased development, but also divers visiting these waters have the opportunity for interesting diving. Thus, various areas of life – the environment, trade and also tourism – benefit at the same time.

Source: sunherald.com