Helping the environment replenish its marine biodiversity

In October 2009, the Federal Government decided to sell their 2 remaining decommissioned destroyers for scrap. In so doing, the object of EOARA’s plan to create an artificial reef in the St Lawrence River vanished.  After this unfortunate decision was taken, EOARA decided to take some time to consider its options.

A program of creating an artificial reef in fresh water using a vessel is a monumental learning experience in dealing with Federal and Provincial government bureaucracy.  When coupled with the lack of empirical data on the short and long term effects the vessel might have on the fresh water habitat, this exercise turns into a maze of difficult decisions. What appears to be a simple exercise of finding a vessel, cleaning it up and sinking it takes on political intrigue as well as the task of going where no one has gone before by trying to attain approval where policy does not yet exist.

During the past 9 months, we have reviewed these learned lessons and discussed possible solutions with the Artificial Reef Society of British Columbia (ARSBC) who most likely has the most experience in the world in sinking artificial reefs.  Their extensive experience in dealing with the process and more importantly issues specific to Canada have been most helpful in planning the way ahead.

The aim of EOARA is to assist the environment replenish its marine biodiversity, and relieve existing artificial reef loss.
In meeting our aim, several goals are important to success:
Develop technologies and procedures required to establish safe and environmentally friendly artificial reefs in fresh water;
Promote economic activity in the vicinity of artificial reef sites;
Promote the use of artificial reefs as a means to minimize the impact of recreational SCUBA divers on historical wreck sites and other ecologically-sensitive dive sites
Monitor developments of all our artificial reefs for environmental impact and diver safety

Our short term priorities are:

Identify and acquire a vessel or aircraft for use as the reef.  We are seeking out a  100-150 foot vessel with a superstructure or an large aircraft (Boeing 737, 707 etc.) If a diver enthusiast would like to make a donation, the EOARA would be delighted to consider.
Extend invitations to the scientific community to join the Hydrosphere Oversight Committee.
Liaise with government agencies to confirm the process requirements.
Revisit vessel sinking plan.
Concurrently, brief the diving community as well as local river population

Over the duration of this project, we will be providing a regular newsletter available on this page. We sincerely hope you will support this endeavor.