California Assembly Bill Clears the way for More Artificial Reefs

While Queensland tourism decides to back off plans for an F-111 artificial reef, back here in the states a key California State Assembly bill is clearing the way for more artificial reefs.

The ability to bring more of California’s coastline to life with the creation of artificial reefs passed a critical hurdle Tuesday when the State Assembly Committee on Judiciary unanimously approved AB 634. The bill will now be sent to the Assembly floor, where it could be voted on as early as January 18, 2010.

One major block to artificial reef projects has been the fear of liability if accidents occur while people are SCUBA diving at these sites. AB 634 protects state and local agencies from legal liability, making it possible for these agencies to support bringing these projects to their harbors.

This bill was sponsored by California Ships to Reefs, a nonprofit organization that has worked tirelessly with state governmental agencies to lay the groundwork for artificial reef projects on the state’s coast. The reefs are created by sinking decommissioned military or retired commercial vessels in appropriate locations after they have been stripped and cleaned. New habitats for ocean creatures quickly create new SCUBA diving and fishing sites. Recreational opportunities bring needed revenue to local businesses.

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Yippee!

Hat tip: ScubaNation