Just like designer "knockoffs" artificial reefs are man's way of making a buck using less quality materials.
Artificial reefs are fast becoming a building trend around the world, especially in areas such as Florida and the Carolina's where natural coral reefs are not native.
Sunken ships, scrap steel and concrete/cement are being strategically anchored to the flat bottoms of the ocean floor.
Although it is great to recycle unused materials instead of piling them in landfills, the problem lies in how these man made underwater structures are affecting the natural balance of underwater ecosystems? Although these reefs may quickly become home to hundreds of new and eager to-move -in underwater inhabitants, these structures unfortunately are only as sustainable as the longevity of the materials they are made from.
Another issue, is that they are also at risk of losing their anchor, and dislodging, giving a whole new meaning to the term "mobile home".
Imagine, hundreds of fish, sea snakes and mollusks clinging on for dear life as their new home floats away like an under the sea scene of "oz".
Most importantly however, is why are these structures being constructed in the first place? Is it to act as a benevolent barrier between the oceans mighty waves and the nearby coastline? Or, it primarily for the recreational use of seasoned anglers and divers, which is fast becoming a lucurative business? If it is the latter, is sport and recreation worth upsetting the delicate balance of our ecosystem? No matter how you slice it, just like "knockoffs" will never be as good as "designer", artificial reefs will also never be as good as mother nature's natural secret recipe.