Artificial reefs in British Columbia, Canada

The Artificial Reef Society of British Columbia (ARSBC) is a Canadian non-profit society dedicated to the enhancement of the British Columbia marine environment and to the advancement of sport diving through public education and the creation and preservation of artificial reefs. ARSBC was founded in 1986 and is a membership-driven organization. ARSBC has successfully completed five artificial reef projects: G.B. Church (Aug. 10, 1991; Portland Island, Sidney); HMCS Chaudiere (Dec. 5 1992; Kunechin Pt., Sechelt); HMCS Mackenzie (Sept. 16, 1995; Rum Island, Sidney); HMCS Columbia (June 22, 1996; Maud Island, Campbell River); HMCS Saskatchewan (June 14, 1997; Snake Island, Nanaimo). Video highlights of the Saskatchewan sinking were made. A limited assessment of the attached biological community has been completed. Within months, the outer hull becomes extensively encrusted with estimates of several hundred individuals per m/sup 2/. By 2.5 years, close to 100 species including invertebrates, fish and algae have colonized the reefs. The dominant group among the invertebrates is crustacean with 17 species. the authors have demonstrated that sinking decommissioned military warships can stimulate economic activity in local coastal community in excess of $1 million dollars (CDN) annually if properly promoted. The eco-tourism draw adds to the local mix of economic activities so that local coastal communities are not solely dependent on one company or one natural resource. In addition, due to the success of their projects, ARSBC has been asked to assist other nations in creating ecologically-responsible artificial reefs in the Caribbean, Indian Ocean and offshore of California.