Home / Environment / Old Battle Tanks Get New Life as Thriving Ocean Reefs
Old Battle Tanks Get New Life as Thriving Ocean Reefs
1 Oct
Summary
- 100 obsolete battle tanks were intentionally sunk off Alabama's coast.
- The sunken tanks were cleaned of hazardous materials before deployment.
- Research suggests artificial reefs may attract more juvenile red snapper.
In 1994, Alabama initiated an innovative project, REEF-EX, by submerging 100 obsolete battle tanks off its coast. These tanks, meticulously cleaned of all hazardous materials, were sunk in stages to create artificial reefs on the predominantly sandy ocean floor.
This initiative aimed to provide a habitat for marine life, particularly fish species like snapper and grouper, which are attracted to taller structures. The tanks now rest 70 to 110 feet underwater, serving as popular sites for divers and anglers.
Research from a 2017 study suggests that artificial structures, including these tanks, can substantially increase catch rates for juvenile red snapper. However, these structures represent a small fraction of the total Gulf of Mexico habitat.
These reefs are projected to last for at least 50 years, with an estimated economic impact in the millions. This effort is part of a long-standing Alabama tradition of repurposing old materials, like car bodies and ships, into artificial reefs to benefit marine ecosystems.
