Latest news with #artificialreefs
Khaleej Times
13-06-2025
- Khaleej Times
Why UAE deliberately sank 3 ships; what it means for ocean's ecosystem
The sinking of three vessels in the UAE is not the result of an accident but rather an ecotourism effort aimed at fostering vibrant marine ecosystems. Once decommissioned, these vessels have been transformed into artificial reefs, which now thrive with marine life, offering divers a unique underwater experience. Three of these remarkable underwater havens are Inchcape 1, Inchcape 2, and Inchcape 10, vessels deliberately sunk to create flourishing artificial reefs. The waters off the east coast of the UAE are becoming a vibrant testament to the UAE's commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable tourism. Inchcape 1 Sunk in 2001, the Inchcape 1 rests at a depth of approximately 32 metres off the coast of Al Aqah, Fujairah. This site is recommended for experienced divers and has evolved into a diverse marine habitat. Large numbers of red snapper, cardinal fish, and other marine creatures can be seen. It is accessible by boat trip (approximately 5 minutes) from Al Aqah, and diving and snorkelling equipment are essential. Inchcape 2 The Inchcape 2, decommissioned and intentionally sunk in 2002, rests at a depth of approximately 22 meters. This former vessel has successfully transitioned into a thriving artificial coral reef, attracting a diverse array of marine life. Divers exploring the site can observe parrotfish, small boxfish, moray eels, and various crab species. The reef also provides a home for long-tailed rays and barracudas, making it a recommended destination for professional divers keen on observing the rich marine ecosystem. Located off Khor Fakkan, Inchcape 2 is accessible via a 25-minute boat trip from Al Aqah. Diving enthusiasts can visit the site year-round, with access and activities managed through licensed diving centres. Essential diving equipment is required, and entry fees apply only when booking through these centres. Inchcape 10 Similarly, the Inchcape 10, originally known as 'awaiz' and considered the biggest, was decommissioned and intentionally sunk in 2003. This vessel now lies at a depth of approximately 23 meters, serving as another flourishing artificial coral reef. The site is teeming with marine life, including an abundance of moray eels, barracudas, and other fish species, offering a captivating experience for professional divers eager to explore the open waters and the vibrant marine environment surrounding the vessel. Situated off Fujairah, Inchcape 10 is just an 8-minute boat ride from the Fujairah International Marine Club. Like Inchcape 2, it is accessible year-round, with diving activities and access facilitated by licensed diving centers. Divers must bring their own equipment, and booking through these centres is necessary for entry. Inquiries regarding Inchcape 10 can also be directed to the Fujairah Adventures Center. Adding to the appeal of these unique dive sites, Saleh Al-Dhahouri, from Dibba Al Fujairah, noted that these ships or wrecks had played a major role in revitalising diving in the Eastern Province, increasing the amount of fish, and the appearance of soft coral on the wrecks in beautiful colours that dazzle divers, enhance the beauty of the place and support fish stocks and other dive sites. He said, "The diving there is wonderful, a beautiful place, and you couldn't get over the amount of fish and coral.' 'I have been diving since 1998 before the three ships sank. Diving was limited. With these ships, diving sites have increased, and they have become part of the weekly diving program.' He added Mintaha Al Shehhi, an Emirati diver specialising in sharks from Sharjah, has been living her passion beneath the surface of the sea for over three years. She said, "One of the most significant sites I have dived into and learned a lot from is the "Inshkab 2" wreck in Khorfakkan, where I have made more than 40 dives, and I have never gotten tired of it!' She explained it as not just a dive site but a complete marine environment. The frequent presence of sharks and turtles is clear scientific evidence that the site enjoys excellent ecological balance, as these large creatures only thrive in healthy and safe places. She added, "Given my specialisation in sharks, I appreciate these natural signs. Sharks do not choose random locations, and turtles only pass through when they feel secure and find natural abundance. ' These deliberate sinkings underscore the UAE's innovative approach to ecotourism, transforming retired vessels into vital underwater ecosystems.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Local students deploy artificial reefs after three month challenge
BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – On Thursday, local students saw all their hard work come to fruition. On May 8, a program sponsored by the Bay County Artificial Reef Association, the University of Florida IFAS Extension, Eastern Shipbuilding Group and some local schools with welding programs. Students at Wewahitchka and Port St. Joe high schools, Haney Technical College and Chipola College participated in the second annual Eastern Shipbuilding Group Coastline Initiative. It's a one-of-a-kind competition that challenges students from local schools to design and build innovative artificial reefs. Eastern Shipbuilding Group challenges students to build artificial reefs Eastern Shipbuilding Group donated the scrap material and equipment, and helped approve the plans for the three month reef project. On Thursday, the Bay County Artificial Reef Association took the four reefs out to a permitted zone, about 15 to 28 miles offshore from Panama City. They were carefully lowered to the bottom of the gulf, between 100-140 feet deep. They'll become habitats for snapper, grouper, amberjack, trigger fish and many other marine life species. Getting the reefs to the bottom took some skill and coordination among the crew members. There are a lot of guidelines they had to follow. The reefs had to be out of a certain material and the crew could not leave any ropes or debris on them. 'Dang, it broke easy, didn't it. We tried to right the reef and as you can see, all our twine come back with what we were doing. So, zero line is left on the reef,' Bay County Artificial Reef Association B.J. Burkett said. Anyone who wants to dive or fish off the reefs will have to wait, as the Bay County Artificial Reef Association wants to make sure they have time to establish marine life. They'll post the coordinates publicly in about a year. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
RNZ News
07-05-2025
- RNZ News
Social housing for crayfish
We're heading to the Bay of Plenty where a special project is underway to restore marine life. Huge sediment plumes caused by severe weather events like Cyclone Gabrielle, have destroyed marine habitats across part of the motu. In Tauranga moana - Tauranga Harbour, port dredging has also played a part. Tua Karalus runs commercial dive company Deep Dive Division - he's part of a team creating artificial reefs, so hundreds of marine creatures have a new place to call home - he thinks of it as social housing for crayfish.
