Under the sea waters of the US, a nation’s waste materials have been discarded. Scrapped cars, army tanks, concrete blocks and redundant planes litter the sea floor. However, this is not hazardous waste disposal, but part of a coordinated state run programme.

It is very surprising to see that oceans have become the convenient dumping grounds for the rubbish we have created. However, scientist’s evidence suggests that if we dump the right things, sea life can actually be improved. And more recently, purpose- built structures of steel or concrete have been employed principally to increase fish harvests.

One has to be very careful about the choice of design and materials for an artificial reef like where it is going to be placed. In areas of strong currants a solid concrete structure will be more appropriate than ballasted tyres. It also depends on what species are to be attracted. It is pointless creating high- rise structures for fish that prefer flat or low relief habitat. But the most important factor happens to be the purpose of the reef.

In the US, artificial reefs have mainly been used to attract fish or sport-diving. But there are many other ways in which they can be used to improve the marine habitat as well as protecting purpose-built accommodation for commercial species (such as lobsters and octopi) and acting as sea defences, they can be an effective way of improving fish harvests.

Japan has already created vast areas of artificial habitat, rather than isolated reefs, to increase its fish stocks. In fact, the cultural and historical importance of seafood in Japan is reflected by the fact that it is a world leader in reef technology. Also, those who have constructed and deployed reefs have sole rights to the harvest.

There is no doubt that artificial reefs have lots to offer. And while purpose-built structures are effective, the real challenge now is to develop environmentally safe ways of using recycled waste to increase marine diversity. Clearly, the challenge is to develop environmentally acceptable ways of disposing of our rubbish while enhancing marine life too. What must never be allowed to do is have an excuse for dumping anything we like at sea.

via : britishcouncil.com