The Sound of Mull Artificial Reef Steering Group (SMART) proposes to sink a decommissioned British Naval Destroyer in the Sound Of Mull, West Coast of Scotland to create the first artificial reef from a decommissioned Naval vessel in Scotland, and only the second in Europe. SMART will commission a feasibility study for this project in November 2011.
Of the many official artificial reef projects completed around the world the vast majority have had a positive outcome environmentally, financially and socio- economically.
Divers (top) dwarfed by the Rondo's rudder (Photo (c) Mike Clark)
Artificial reefs boost tourism, stimulate the local economy, create business opportunities, are low maintenance, have low running costs, and provide habitats for marine life as well as providing safe diving environments for all levels of recreational diving ability. SMART would like this reef to be the first of many artificial reefs around Scotland. If this project becomes a proven success, it gives other groups a basis to lobby for similar reefs all around Scotland.
There are more than twenty artificial reefs of this type around the world in New Zealand, Australia, Canada, America and England. The protocol for all stages of an artificial reef project are well established and internationally recognized. Of the many artificial reef projects completed around the world the vast majority have had positive outcomes environmentally, financially and socio- economically.
Overall I am in favour of this project. As mentioned above, it creates tourism, attracts divers but most of all, over time, creates an artificial reef for the diverse marine life which, in turn increases the maine life.
However, on a recent trip to Malta most of the wreck sites we visited were of the purpose sunken vessels. Sat upright in pristine condition and stripped bare of all but the superstructure. Very clean & very clinical with very little challenge for the diver.
I haven’t dived the Syllica, so am unsure of the approach taken to her sinking and what remained of the ship prior to her sinking. I am well aware of the need to remove all hazards to marine life and to make the wreck easily accessible for divers prior to the sinking, but hopefully the remains of the wreck won’t be too clean and clinical.
Looking forward to diving her already.
Great project proposal and best wishes on a successful outcome. I look forward to updates!
Just spent 2 days diving the Lochaline area. Great area and great diving
Good luck with the project .
The wrecks in our Argyll area are now very long in the tooth… and I think new wrecks, placed in well thought out areas – will be a huge tourist attraction + an excellent home for *sea critters*
all the best Adrian Lauder tel 077 20 30 2727
..I’ve long been a supporter of diving in the Oban area, and warmly welcome this initiative… if we want to continue to promote all aspects of marine leisure tourism, we need to be much more proactive in providing the best possible facilities to make the well known features and attractions accessible to as many people as possible…
…keep up the good work guys!
