Scuba Diving on Artificial Reefs
An interesting post on scubadivingblog.net (as shown by the excerpt below), starts the discussion on whether artificial reefs make good dive sites and are good to encourage a haven for marine life, in effect creating a mini artificial environment.
What do you think?
Excerpt from scubadivingblog.net as follows:
“If you are going to be in the Key West area, or want to take a trip, the Vandenberg is scheduled to be sunk off the coast on May 15th to create an artificial reef.
I am in no way an expert on the military or this ship, but I have found some information on the history of this ship.
The USS Vandenberg is over 520 feet long and weights approximately 13,000 tons. Originally commissioned by the US Navy under the name USS/USNS General Harry Taylor, the ship was used in 1944 to transport troops in WWII.
The US Air Force converted the General Harry Taylor to a Missile Range Instrumentation ship and renamed it the USAFS General Hoyt S. Vandenberg in 1963.
In 1983, the ship was sent to Maritime Administration MARAD Reserve Fleet, James River, VA.
In 1996, Universal Studios leased it to film the movie “Virus”
Plans are being made in Key West to host a “Sink Week” celebration along with the sinking of this ship.
Read more about Key West’s “Sink Week” at http://www.keywest.com/vandenberg.htm
Seems you write this blog for less than 4 month ?
is that right ? 
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Comment by Gary Levine on 16 April 2008:
http://www.miamireef.com
http://www.livingreefproject.com
Happy to see you on the mission. Please take a look at the sites above. There is a lot going on in the man made, not artificial, reef world.
Regards to you, Gary
Comment by bluenorway.org on 16 April 2008:
we can only hope that it gets there, but right now there is no chance without 2m$usd up front for the extra costs and transport.
http://bluenorway.org/#vandenberg
Comment by Steve on 17 April 2008:
Gary,
very interesting websites anda superb cause. I was unaware of your activities. I really do beleive that creating man made reefs can help protect fish and other aquatic habitats and also increase revenues for the local economy from tourism.
We have one deliberatly sunk ex-navy warship here in the Uk and it is reckoned to bring in over £1million per year in additional revenues to the local economy. Which when considering most of this goes to small business such as private small hotels and dive shops, it is a fantastic boost.
In addition many wildlife and conservation organisations are monitoring the colinisation of the man-made reef over time.
I dived it when it was only 4 months old and it was very sterile as you might expect, and I needto get down and dive it again almost 5 years on to make the comparison.
Keep up the good work and I will follow your site with interest.
Comment by Steve on 17 April 2008:
bluenorway.org,
thanks for the post. WOW, so much money involved and so many politics to get out the way. Sometimes you would think everyone would work together to the good of all.
Comment by Gary Levine on 17 April 2008:
Stevem There are only three quality materials for man made reefs.. Limestone, cement (PH balanced) and steel. Tires and plastics do not make a significant contribution. Resaearch the 2,000,000 tires that have to be removed from Fort Lauderdale right now at a cost of 3.4 Million dollars. No life created only destruction. A total disaster.
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