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Hi All,

I read this on ECOLOG-L.  I thought it appropiate(?) to post as 
general info..... 

------------ Forwarded Message -------------

Date:    Tue, 15 Nov 1994 20:57:00 EST
From:    JNUS4025@ur*.ur*.ed*
Subject: Re: DEAD SHIPS as artificial reefs

I am not familiar with the immediate topic of scuttling ships
off of Greenland, however, I have done considerable work with
the placement of obsolete vessels in the marine environment as
artificial reefs.  When a structure is placed into the marine
environment it provides habitat for numerous marine species. 
The hull of the vessel provide an excellent stucture for
barnacles, marine vegeta- tion and sessile organisms to attach
to.  The vessel also attracts various fish species.  Both adults
and juvenile fish utilize these vessels as protection from
currents and predators while foraging on the other species
present. Although it is unclear whether these undersea
structures simply serve as attractors or whether they actually
enhance the productivity of marine eco- systems, work done by
Alvevizon and Gorham (1989) suggests that at least some fish
populations (particularly those which are limited by the
availability of suitable habitat) may realize substantial
enhancement from artificial reef creation, regardless of whether
vessels placement was deliberate or accidental.

One problem with the scuttling of vessels off Greenland regards
the condition of the vessel upon sinking.  Vessels deliberatly
sited as artificial reefs in the United States must be
meticuously scrubbed to comply with environmental regulations. 
These vessels must be inspected by the U.S. Coast Guard and
certified as clean.  Vessels may also have to be inspected by a
state environ- mental agency.  Of course, if a vessel is sunk
accidentally, these standards cannot apply and there may be some
environmental degredation.

I am unaware of any adverse environmental impact which may
occur from vessels rusting in the marine environment.  Of
course, there may be some minimal impact from any anti-fouling
paints which may exist on the hull.  The severity of any
resulting degredation will probably be contingent on the type
of paint used and the proximity to the shoreline and any
environmentally sensitive estuarine areas.

In my experience, the vessels which make the best artificial
reefs are those which will rust the least.  This is not due to
any potential environmental degredation, but rather because the
longer a structure stays in the ocean, the longer it will
provide fish habitat, hence the more effective the reef
deployment efforts.


I hope I haven't gone off on a totally insignificant tangent. 
Anyone who would like to comment or call me an old fool is
welcome to reach me at JNUS4025@UR* C.URI.EDU

Thanks,

Jeffrey Nussbaum

------------ End Forwarded Message -------------

Regards,

Jan.

+-------------------------------------------------------------------+

        JAN L. KORRUBEL          Marine Biology Research Institute   
      -------------------              Department of Zoology         
                                      University of Cape Town        
      INTERNET Addresses:                 7700 Rondebosch            
   JKORRUBE@BO*.UC*.AC*.ZA*                SOUTH AFRICA             
   KRRJAN01@UC*.UC*.AC*.ZA*                                         
                                        FAX: (27 21) 6503627         
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      "I am HOMER of Borg!  Prepare to.....  Ooooooh!  Beer!!        
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