In recent years, New York’s coastal waters have gained new allies in conservation and storm resilience: artificial reefs. Built from recycled materials like old train cars, concrete, and even bridge remnants, these reefs bring essential marine habitats to a seabed historically devoid of complex structures.

The New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and other organizations have collaborated to create a network of reefs that support diverse marine life and boost recreational fishing and diving. These efforts also serve as a defense line against powerful storms, giving New Yorkers hope for a more resilient coastline.

 

A Resilient Defense Against Storms

One of New York’s most ambitious reef projects, known as the "Living Breakwaters," sits off Staten Island’s Tottenville beach. Funded with Superstorm Sandy recovery funds, these artificial islands do more than just break waves. Constructed from rock and concrete and embedded with “living” features like tide pools and textured surfaces, they create new habitats for oysters, crabs, and fish. Pippa Brashear, the project’s architect, highlighted that these breakwaters were designed to support marine life, providing crevices where juvenile fish find refuge and helping protect shorelines from daily erosion and catastrophic storm damage Associated Press reports.

Beyond storm defense, the project restores what Staten Island lost to decades of pollution and overfishing. Birds now nest on these artificial islands, while algae and small marine creatures cling to the reef's surfaces. Soon, oysters will join the ecosystem, part of a restoration led by the Billion Oyster Project, which aims to repopulate the bay with oysters that can help filter water and bolster the reef’s structural resilience.

Bringing Life to a Flat Seafloor

The south shore of Long Island features a flat, sandy seabed, lacking natural hard structures like coral reefs that many marine species need for food and shelter. Since New York’s Artificial Reef Program began in 1962, DEC has worked to create reefs using materials ranging from sunken vessels to construction remnants, following strict environmental guidelines to ensure materials are free of pollutants before deployment. These “aquatically recycled” reefs provide critical habitat for marine life, including black sea bass, lobsters, and various crustaceans, while attracting divers and fishermen eager to explore thriving underwater ecosystems DEC explains.

In 2020, the DEC launched a major expansion, adding thousands of tons of recycled materials, including rail cars, barges, and parts of the Tappan Zee Bridge, to New York’s reefs. These new materials quickly became home to a variety of marine organisms, from sea anemones to conger eels. Notably, the Moriches Reef, initially covering only 14 acres, is set to expand to 850 acres, offering even more habitat options for local marine life California Diver reports.

Benefits for Marine Life and Local Economies

Artificial reefs have become essential ecosystems that support a range of fish species and marine invertebrates. Divers report spotting rare species like ocean pout, while fishermen enjoy improved catches of Atlantic cod, scup, and blackfish. The DEC’s “patch reef” construction method, which places different materials in distinct areas, fosters biodiversity by creating microhabitats that attract species with varied ecological needs New York Almanack explains.

The benefits extend beyond conservation, fueling local economies through enhanced fishing and diving opportunities. LIDA President Barry Lipsky pointed out that expanded reef sites benefit businesses catering to recreational divers, while boosting tourism dollars. Furthermore, these structures contribute to environmental awareness, helping communities connect with the ocean in a tangible way.

Environmental Oversight and Sustainable Reef Construction

New York’s artificial reefs are rigorously inspected before placement, adhering to standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Coast Guard to prevent any pollutants from entering the water. Chris LaPorta, the DEC’s reef program coordinator, emphasized that this effort is not a shortcut to repair damaged ecosystems but an enhancement strategy that uses carefully vetted materials to create long-lasting habitats, reports NOAA.

The DEC ensures that every material, from decommissioned vessels to pieces of bridges, is free of harmful substances before deployment. This meticulous preparation distinguishes artificial reefs from ocean dumping, transforming discarded materials into vital, eco-friendly habitats that support biodiversity and withstand the harsh marine environment.

A Growing Conservation Model

The success of New York’s artificial reefs has sparked interest beyond state borders. Already, states like California, Florida, and Washington are exploring reef projects that integrate environmental and recreational benefits. As sea levels rise, climate resilience experts argue that breakwaters and artificial reefs can “buy some time,” allowing communities to adapt to climate threats while preserving natural coastlines, as noted by marine biologists and conservationists, the DEC reports.

These reefs serve as a growing model for how coastal regions can tackle conservation while embracing eco-friendly design. In Tottenville, Staten Island, residents have seen an increase in fish and shellfish around the Living Breakwaters, offering hope that artificial reefs can become an enduring part of New York’s efforts to protect its coastlines and marine ecosystems. Michele Heerlein, a local resident, told the Associated Press.  “They might bring the clams and the mussels back.”