Artificial Reefs

Under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA), Environment Canada allows the disposal at sea of about 2 to 3 million tonnes of materials each year, including:

• Dredged or excavated material (making up about 90% of the total)
• Fish waste and other organic matter from fish processing operations.
• Ships, aircraft, platforms or other structures
• Bulky substances composed of iron, steel, concrete or other similar matter

Most of the dumped materials go to designated ocean disposal sites, including about 20 sites in the Strait of Georgia and adjoining waterways.

HMCS Chaudiere, sunk in 1992

Most of the dumping occurs quietly - but one type has been plagued with controversy. On a number of occasions, recreational divers’ organizations in our region have pressed for and won permits to dump derelict ships – and in one case, an airplane – to use as artificial reefs.

Despite public concerns about environmental impacts, derelict vessels have been sunk in various locations including sites off Nanaimo, Sechelt Inlet, Chemainus, Sidney and Howe Sound.

Learn more:

• Our letter of objection to the proposal to dump HMCS Annapolis in Halkett Bay Marine Park - October 2009

• Artificial Reefs & Fish Habitat: What the Experts Say
• Ocean dumping of Boeing 737 - May 2004 (letters of objection to Environment Canada)
• The Dumping of the HMCS Saskatchewan:
  • Notice of Objection (May 1997)
  • Letter to Environmnent Canada (March 1997)
• Ship Dumping: Recommendations for the Future