Proposed Federal Law to Promote the Usage of Former Naval Vessels for Artificial Reefs

Shipwreck of the schooner E. B. Allen sunk by collision. - Photo by NOAA at Unsplash

Proposed Federal Law to Promote the Usage of Former Naval Vessels for Artificial Reefs

An artificial reef is a man-made structure that may mimic some characteristics of a natural reef. In February, Representative Maria Elvira Salazar (R-Florida) and Congressman Ed Case (D-Hawaii) reintroduced a bill directing the Secretary of the Navy to notify Congress of the impending retirement of any naval vessel that is a viable candidate for artificial reefing.

Shipwreck found in Skeleton Coast, Namibia - Photo by Felipe Labate at Unsplash
Shipwreck found in Skeleton Coast, Namibia – Photo by Felipe Labate at Unsplash

The bill would require the Secretary of the Navy to notify Congress of the imminent retirement of any ship. The “Reusing Equipment for Environmental Fortification Act,” also known as the “REEF Act,” offers financial incentives to convert decommissioned ships from the United States Navy into artificial reefs. It will improve marine ecosystems and open new recreational and commercial diving opportunities. The measure that is the Senate equivalent to the one that the House passed was presented by Republican Senator Marco Rubio of Florida.

DEMA is a firm proponent of creating artificial reefs and recommends that individuals write their representatives and senators to inquire about their support for the laws governing this initiative.

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