Shipwrecks as Artificial Reefs: A Boon for Marine Conservation

The ocean is home to millions of species of marine life, from the smallest plankton to the largest whales. However, the ocean is also a place where human activities have left their mark, in the form of shipwrecks.

Shipwrecks are sunken vessels that can be found in every corner of the world, from the shallow waters of the coast to the deep abyss of the sea. Some shipwrecks are intentional, such as those that are deliberately sunk to create artificial reefs or tourist attractions.

Others are accidental, such as those that are caused by storms, wars, or human errors. But what impact do shipwrecks have on the marine environment and the life that inhabits it?

Are they beneficial or harmful? How can we manage them to ensure the sustainability of the ocean and its resources? In this article, we will explore these questions and more, based on the latest scientific research and evidence.

Shipwrecks as Artificial Reefs for Fish and Corals

(Photo : JOSEPH PREZIOSO/AFP via Getty Images)

A new study has revealed how shipwrecks are providing a refuge for marine life in areas that are still open to destructive fishing practices.

The study, conducted by the University of Plymouth and Blue Marine Foundation, found that an estimated 50,000 shipwrecks around the UK's coastline have been acting as hidden sanctuaries for fish, corals, and other species.

The researchers used underwater cameras and acoustic surveys to compare the biodiversity and biomass of fish and invertebrates on shipwrecks and natural rocky reefs.

They discovered that shipwrecks had higher diversity and biomass of both fish and invertebrates than natural reefs, especially in deeper waters.

The study also found that shipwrecks hosted more tropical and subtropical fish species than natural reefs, suggesting that shipwrecks may facilitate the movement of these species towards the poles as the ocean temperatures rise due to climate change.

The researchers concluded that shipwrecks are valuable habitats that should be protected from fishing and other human activities that may damage them.

They also recommended that more shipwrecks should be deliberately placed in the ocean to create artificial reefs that can enhance the marine ecosystem and support fisheries.

Also Read: 4 Million Pounds of Microplastics Found in Corals, Causing Tissue Necrosis in Fishes

Environmental Risks and Challenges

While some shipwrecks may benefit the marine environment, others may pose serious threats and challenges.

Accidental shipwrecks often come loaded with toxic materials that can leak into the surrounding water and contaminate the seafloor.

For example, the MS Sea Diamond, a cruise ship that sank in the Aegean Sea in 2007, carried an estimated 1.7 tons of batteries, 150 cathode ray tube televisions, and other heavy metals that can harm marine life. The ship remains underwater today, despite the efforts to remove it.

Another example is the MV Rena, a container ship that ran aground on a coral reef off the coast of New Zealand in 2011.

The ship spilled oil and cargo into the water, causing severe damage to the reef and the wildlife. The ship was eventually salvaged, but the reef is still recovering from the impact.

Accidental shipwrecks also frequently occur when ships collide with hidden coral reefs, destroying the natural habitats that are already threatened by climate change, pollution, and overfishing.

According to a study by the University of California, Santa Barbara, more than 100,000 shipwrecks have occurred on coral reefs worldwide since 1970, affecting more than 20% of the global reef area5.

Therefore, it is important to prevent and mitigate the negative effects of shipwrecks on the marine environment.

This can be done by improving the navigation and safety of ships, enforcing the regulations and penalties for illegal or irresponsible shipping, monitoring and cleaning up the shipwrecks that pose environmental risks, and restoring the damaged reefs and habitats.