The article discusses the contrasting survival prospects of marine life on sandy ocean floors and vibrant coral reefs. It highlights the benefits of artificial reefs, which can be created from materials like decommissioned subway cars and other debris. For instance, New York’s MTA’s attempt to use Brightliner subway cars for reefs failed, while repurposing the Redbird cars was successful due to their structural features, which provide shelter and food for fish.
While subway cars can attract divers and fishermen, their lifespan underwater is short, as they corrode quickly compared to more durable materials like concrete. Miami Beach features an innovative project called The Reefline, where artist Leandro Erlich created marine-grade concrete sculptures of vehicles to support coral growth and raise awareness about vehicle emissions. Overall, the article emphasizes that artificial reefs, regardless of their material, contribute to the health of coral ecosystems worldwide.
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