The US state of Delaware has expanded its network of artificial reefs with the latest vessel to be scuttled to become part of the underwater environment.
The state has already sunk decommissioned ferry Twin Capes and former menhaden catcher John S. Dempster Jr on the Del-Jersey-Land Reef. Now the 60 metre former floating casino Texas Star, which was later refitted to become a scallop catcher/processor, has joined Reedville, an ex-military freighter and subsequently menhaden vessel, on the Redbird Reef.
These are among a number of former fishing, commercial and military vessels that form the state of Delaware’s artificial reef structures, along with more than 1350 New York city Redbird subway cars – which give the Redbird reef its name – a 215-foot Chesapeake Bay cruise ship, tanks and armoured vehicles, tugs, fishing vessels and barges, as well as 585-foot destroyer ex-USS Arthur W. Radford, which was sunk in 2011 on Del-Jersey-Land Reef.
‘With the sinking of the Texas Star on Redbird Reef, one of 14 separate reef sites in the Delaware Bay and along the Atlantic Coast, we continue to enhance and expand the recreational fishing and diving experience in Delaware,’ said Delaware Natural Resources and Environmental Control Secretary Shawn M. Garvin.
‘When we sank Twin Capes four years ago as a centerpiece of Delaware’s artificial reef system, it was unmatched, providing fish habitat and a spectacular dive with its five decks for underwater exploration.’
Texas Star’s sinking was carried out by marine contractor Coleen Marine, which has handled numerous reef deployments over the DNREC reef program’s existence at many of Delaware’s 14 permitted artificial reef sites. Texas Star was sunk after receiving approvals from the US Environmental Protection Agency and US Coast Guard for environmental cleanliness and safety.
