DIVING NEWS ITEM

Artificial Reef Projects to Promote Tourism

WEDNESDAY, 30 MAY 2007

The so-called "Graveyard of the Atlantic" can expect a few more guests. Various groups consisting of divers, fishers and reef associations are working together to promote tourism in North Carolina’s coast by purposely sinking ships to become artificial reefs.

Such reefs would attract scuba divers, sport fishing enthusiasts, and researchers who can examine "underwater universities," supporters said.

The Eastern Carolina Artificial Reef Association (ECARA) has already received a donated barge and a sailboat for that purpose. Now, the group and its supporters want to sink a large decommissioned destroyer, cruiser, or other military ship on the ocean floor. They're eyeing a location offshore near the existing reef created by the sunken USS Aeolus, a Navy cable layer, and the Spar, a former Coast Guard cutter.

Other associations involved in the project are the North Carolina Artificial Reef Coalition, divers, sport fishing groups, and other supporters have united to launch a fundraising campaign.

The artificial reef project will benefit dive shops, charter boats, restaurants, hotels, and existing tourism stops in the area.

Visit www.cdnn.info for more details about this news story.

GLOBAL DIVING SEARCH

JOIN OUR NEWSLETTER

Stay up-to-date with all diving News by becoming a member and joining our diving Community.

SUBMIT NEWS ITEM

If you know any Diving Events or News that you would like to share with the world, then we invite you to Submit a News Item.