North Carolina Artificial Reef Evaluation

Beneath the coastal waters of the world lie thousands of artificial reefs. Some are old and retired freighters and ships that once plied the oceans of the world but now serve as habitats for marine life. Others are newer reefs that have been designed and built for specific applications. With the field of aquatic habitat technology continually growi

The main themes of the Symposium were biodiversity in enclosed and semi-enclosed seas and artificial habitats, and the restoration of degraded systems. These themes are highly relevant today. The papers dealing with the first theme represent current research and concerns about marine biodiversity in enclosed seas. The papers in the second theme represent a synthesis of up-to-date knowledge on artificial habitats.

By 2005, the U.S. Navy and the Maritime Administration will have accumulated some 360 retired ships in need of disposal. A previous RAND study reviewed disposal options such as recycling (either domestically or overseas) and long-term storage. However, preparation and use of the ships for construction of artificial reefs was identified as the lowest-cost option. With the demonstrated potential attractiveness of reefing as a disposal option, in this study the authors examine the economic, legal, environmental, and programmatic issues that might bear on the Navy's decision to pursue the reefing option more seriously. They examine the demand for ships to be used as reefs and the impediments to such use, suggest program goals, and review possible business models for their potential to minimize risks and costs to the Navy.