Car wrecks sunk off Fujairah to create more artificial reefs

Under the wise leadership of H.H. Sheikh Hamad Bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Ruler of Fujairah, and H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah, seventeen car wrecks were successfully submerged in various locations off the coast of Fujairah to create artificial reefs for recreational diving.

 

Artificial reefs such as these car wrecks, placed in select areas of the marine environment have been proved to provide (or improve) solid and rough bottom habitat and thereby increase the productivity of certain fishes.

 

The cars were sunk approximately one mile from the coast, in select locations using flatbed trailers to transport them and crane barges to lift and sink them.

 

This exciting project is part of greater plans by the Government of Fujairah to preserve and attract marine biodiversity, adding to the already abundant natural resources that exist in the region. It is hoped that the plans appeal to diving and snorkeling tourists who have come year after year to experience the underwater world that Fujairah has been blessed with.

 

The project would have not been possible without cooperation by several organizations based in the region. The project was completed under the supervision of H.H. Sheikh Saif Bin Hamad Bin Saif Al Sharqi, Chairman of Fujairah International Marine Club and H.E. Mohammed Saeed Al Dhanhani, Vice Chairman of Fujairah International Marine Club.

 

Vehicles were generously provided by Fujairah Municipality (Work Department) to transport the wrecked cars, which were provided by Fujairah Police (Traffic Department).

 

Mr. Spyridon Gerontopolous, General Manager of Athena SA donated the services of the company crane barges and tugboats. The cranes and tugboats went out under the guidance of Captain Tamer, Harbour Master at Port of Fujairah. All efforts were coordinated by AGV LLC and Fujairah Observer.

 

“We at Fujairah International Marine Club would like to extend our gratitude to Fujairah Police – Traffic Department, Fujairah Municipality – Work Department, Port of Fujairah, Athena SA, and Barracuda Diving Center for their support and cooperation in helping preserving the underwater life“ stated Major Ahmed Ebrahiem, Managing Director of the FIMC.

 

This is not the first effort that has been made in the name of enhancing Fujairah’s marine life; in 2009 concrete, marine-life friendly reef balls were sunk to create habitats for fish. In 2003, an unused boat was stripped of harmful parts and sunk to create a safer place for smaller, rarer fish to reproduce.

 

Protecting marine biodiversity has always been of chief concern to residents, with diving tourism, beaches and marine life being a source of pride for the community. With the enormous economic development that has taken place over the past decade, it is admirable to see public and private sector cooperation take place in the name of environmental protection.