Gibraltar Artificial Reef

36.121178 - 5.355542Koordinaten: 36 ° 7 ' 16 " N, 5 ° 21' 20 " W

The Artificial Reef Gibraltar is the largest artificial reef in European waters. It was on the initiative of the British Trust Helping Hand to the biologist Eric Shaw 1978 furnished and then continuously. The aim of the marine conservation project in the Bay of Gibraltar is to create habitats for a large marine biodiversity in the region. Scientific studies revealed an increase and the colonization of the reef by invertebrates and fish.

By 2013, more than 30 ships were sunk in the vicinity of the reef. The ships with steel and wood hulls are between six and 30 meters long. About 200 active, especially sailors and divers support the project. Meanwhile, the reef has become a pilot project for more artificial reefs and enables long-term studies on the development and colonization of man-made marine habitats.

Political dimension

The reef was repeatedly trigger for the existing territorial dispute between Spain and the British overseas territory of Gibraltar. While Gibraltar reported the area as a European marine reserve to Spanish fishermen see it limit their work. This culminated in the Fisheries Jurisdiction of Gibraltar.