Long term damage, short term benefit: reefs break down under stress

A recent report commissioned by opponents of the Avoca artificial reef project highlights the problems with using wrecks as reefs: they break apart. A recent artificial reef project in New Zealand had to issue warnings to divers due to the helicopter hanger of the boat becoming detached from the rest of the boat.

Breakup of three ships within 6 months to one year resulted in closure, temporary
closure of the reefing sites to diving or warnings of significantly increased diving
hazards.  (Appendices C, D. E)
 

read more (in pdf format)