Central Coast Artificial Reef Project
About CCARP
CCARP is a non-profit organisation formed with representatives from
two well established NSW Central Coast dive clubs and supporting Dive
Operators. The sole objective of CCARP is to establish one or more
diveable artificial reefs on the NSW Central Coast.
CCARP was originally created with the aim of lobbying the Commonwealth and NSW governments for acquisition of the decommissioned destroyer HMAS Brisbane. For a number of years the Australian Federal Government has had a policy of ceding to the states its warships as they become surplus to requirements and are decommissioned. The states in turn have sunk these vessels, suitably cleaned and prepared, in various locations as artificial reefs for the benefit of local, national and international traveling SCUBA divers and to develop a more diverse marine habitat. HMAS Brisbane was originally gifted to Queensland, however that states Government formally declined the offer several times until accepting the warship late in 2002.
CCARP was originally created with the aim of lobbying the Commonwealth and NSW governments for acquisition of the decommissioned destroyer HMAS Brisbane. For a number of years the Australian Federal Government has had a policy of ceding to the states its warships as they become surplus to requirements and are decommissioned. The states in turn have sunk these vessels, suitably cleaned and prepared, in various locations as artificial reefs for the benefit of local, national and international traveling SCUBA divers and to develop a more diverse marine habitat. HMAS Brisbane was originally gifted to Queensland, however that states Government formally declined the offer several times until accepting the warship late in 2002.
Artificial reef's are created for a variety of reasons including:
- Establishing marine havens
- Modifying the marine environment
- Recreational Diving
- Scientific Research
- Replenishing fish stocks
An artificial reef is created either by accident or design. A reef which is created unintentially is generally a ship which has come to grief. There are many examples of shipwreck reefs in Australia and overseas waters.
Some Examples:
- Storms – sending the vessel to the bottom, The Kiama, Galava, Myola
- Accidents – Striking submerged objects, The Titanic, World Discoverer
- War – Ships under attack, President Coolidge, USS Aaron Ward, San Fransisco
A ship which is deliberately sunk to form an artificial reef has had much thought and activity invested in deciding where it 's going to go, how it will be sunk and it's long term effect on the marine environment. They are cleaned up, made diver safe and sunk in a controlled manner which ensures the ship is intact.
SCUBA divers just luurve diving on shipwreck reefs. For the diver, the attraction of swimming around and through a sunken ship, is irresistable. Planned Artificial reefs are especially desirable as the ship has been modified to specifically cater to divers.
Artificial reefs are much sought after, as environmental and economic studies have shown they create substantial benefits for the communities where they are located.
In recent years a number of artificial ship reefs have been created or are being planned in Australia using obsolete or surplus ships *** In the last 10 years ***
- Western Australia - HMAS Swan, HMAS Perth
- South Australia – HMAS Hobart
- Queensland - HMAS Brisbane
- Tasmania - the Troy D
- Victoria - HMAS Canberra
- New South Wales -HMAS Adelaide
Information and pictures with thanks from www.ccarp.net
