Osborne Reef

Osborne Reef is an artificial reef off the coast of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, constructed of concrete jacks in a 50-foot (15 m) depth of water. In the early 1970s, an ambitious project was undertaken to expand the reef using old and discarded tires. The project ultimately failed, resulting in environmental damage that continues to this day.

History

The Osborne Reef project began in 1972, spearheaded by the Broward Artificial Reef Inc. (BARINC). The idea was to create a new habitat for marine life, and to provide a site for sport fishing and scuba diving. The project received support from various organizations, including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company. Goodyear even provided equipment to bind and transport the tires.

However, the project was plagued with problems from the start. The nylon and steel used to bind the tires together deteriorated in the salt water, causing the tires to disperse. The dispersed tires caused damage to the natural coral reef and the marine ecosystem. In addition, the tires proved to be an unsuitable habitat for most marine life.

Environmental Impact

The environmental impact of the Osborne Reef has been significant. The dispersed tires have damaged approximately 35 acres of natural reef, and the cleanup efforts have been costly and time-consuming. The tires also pose a threat to the surrounding beaches, as they can be carried ashore by storms and hurricanes.

Despite the negative impact, the reef has also been the site of scientific research. Studies have been conducted to assess the damage and to explore potential solutions. These studies have provided valuable insights into the effects of artificial reefs on marine ecosystems.

Cleanup Efforts

Cleanup efforts at the Osborne Reef have been ongoing since the 1980s. Various methods have been tried, including the use of suction dredges and the manual removal of tires by divers. In 2007, a major cleanup effort was undertaken with funding from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. This effort resulted in the removal of over 72,000 tires from the reef.

Despite these efforts, it is estimated that over 700,000 tires remain on the reef. The cleanup is a complex and costly process, and it is expected to continue for many years to come.

See Also

• Artificial reefs
• Environmental impact of the petroleum industry in Florida
• Marine debris
• Ocean pollution