motto: "may columbia flourish everywhere"
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|  The crew of HMCS Columbia in 1964  Sink Day, 22 June 1996, Maude Island near Campbell River, BC / Photo: Doug Pemberton  Diving the Columbia, 2002 / Photo: Doug Pemberton |
 
| The diversity of marine life along BC's coastline is under increasing stress through overfishing, ecological damage, pollution, and loss of habitat. Artificial reefs in the form of large steel vessels address this issue by providing new habitat opportunities in areas without significant natural reef structures. Retired, surplus and derelict ships, stripped of all dangerous and polluting components, make ideal long term complex marine habitat. Steel hulled ships are stripped, recycled and repurposed into man-made reefs. Within a short time in the marine environment they come to support self-sustaining ecosystems comprised of a wide variety of fish and fauna. The structures eventually mimic natural reef settings with their growing marine populations. Artificial reefs are also enjoyed as a prime destination for eco-adventure scuba diver tourism. |   The Artificial Reef Society of British Columbia is a proud member of the Association of British Columbia Marine Industries.  The Artificial Reef Society of British Columbia is a proud community member and partner in association with - The Department of Fisheries and Oceans Pacific Science Enterprise Center (PSEC) |
