What is a coral reef? The most basic definition is that of an intricate underwater ecosystem comprised of corals bonded together. They are formed by coral polyps and are joined by calcium carbonate to comprise what is described in nature as a living “reef.”
Coral reefs are vital to both freshwater sources and versatile ocean habitats. As thriving, living organisms themselves, they provide home to at least 25% of all marine species. So, it goes without saying that coral reefs, in short, benefit the entire world. But did you know that these benefits are mutually produced by both natural and artificially created coral reefs? That’s right, coral reefs can actually be manmade. In fact, artificial formations, owing to human assistance, occur much quicker than those that take shape naturally in the wild watery depths of the sea. And at this time in history, we can’t afford to wait very long, so the efficiency and success of artificial coral reefs is more or less a saving grace.
Artificially made coral reefs serve many different purposes. At the forefront is their primary function of enhancing fisheries by acting as fish aggregation devices (FADs). Not only does this benefit the fish and marine life directly by providing habitats for them, but it also assists the recreational and commercial fishing industries as a result. Coral reefs even promote ecotourism by creating opportunities for activities such as scuba diving and snorkeling, as they are often purposely placed in accordance with coastlines wherever else they are needed.
Manmade reefs can be formed from so many diverse, discarded items. Most notable are decommissioned vehicles and vessels, all of which are the favored picks of the Delaware Artificial Reef Program.
Delaware’s Artificial Reef Program
Delaware began structuring a statewide artificial reef program as far back as 1995. It’s all part of their ongoing initiative to both manage and sustain fisheries, recreation, and ecotourism. There are currently 14 reef sites in existence throughout the state, located within the Delaware Bay and along the Atlantic Coast. These reefs were constructed through the utilization of construction materials (rocks and concrete), boats, and even old, decommissioned subway cars.
As far as the official reefing process goes, those vessels and other effects slated to be added to a reef must first be cleaned. Any and all potentially hazardous materials are thoroughly removed and carefully examined by the U.S. Coast Guard before being sunk into placement along their intended reefing site.
The majority of Delaware reefs are identifiable by an assigned site number. Three, however, have official names. This includes what can easily be argued is the state’s most famous artificial reef of all—the renowned Redbird Reef.
All About Redbird Reef
The Redbird Reef was established in 2001 under the Maryland Reef Initiative. Located 16 miles east of Indian River Inlet, the reef spans 1.3 square miles and sits on the ocean floor, 80 feet below the surface. It was so named owing to its containment of 714 retired subway cars once featured as part of New York’s Redbird (R26-R36) series. The name “Redbird” came from the red paint used on the 1,410 train cars that once made up the line.
Constructed by the American Car and Foundry Company and the St. Louis Car Company, the Redbird division line of railroad cars included R26, R28, R29, R33, R33S, and R36 models. There were 550 on the B (27) and A (30) lines, totaling 1,960 cars ever built.
By December 2007, an agreement was reached with the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control to reef additional cars in the series—R32, R38, R40, and R42, which would be retired by the R160s.
Throughout the years, many other vehicles have been added to the reef, too. Not solely exclusive to the Redbird series, these comprised 86 retired tanks and armored personnel carriers, eight tugboats, barges, and as many as 3,000 tons of truck tires. Furthermore, additions to the Redbird Reef and others are nowhere near finished and continue to grow to this day.
Redbird’s Lasting Legacy
As stated earlier, the Redbird Reef holds claim as the most popularly visited reef site in the state. It is estimated that more than 10,000 visitors come out annually to experience the one-of-a-kind novelty firsthand. The reef is also renowned for its provision of options for angling, scuba diving, and other aquatic activities and interests.
On a final note, it’s worth mentioning that Redbird Reef is home to an abundance of thriving marine creatures, including everything from flounder, tuna, mackerel, and black sea bass, to blue mussels, sponges, barnacles, and more.
Learn more about Delaware’s Artificial Reef Program via the link on the DNREC website. The site even contains a downloadable PDF guide to each reef.