Artificial Reef Society of British Columbia

Who we are​
The Artificial Reef Society of British Columbia (ARSBC) is a registered non-profit society based in Vancouver, British Columbia, and is a registered tax-deductible charity in Canada.

Our aim is to create environmentally friendly 'artificial reefs' in British Columbia and around the world by consulting on the conversion and disposal-at-sea of decommissioned vessels. This for the purpose of marine habitat enhancement and protection initiatives and at the same time, to provide a sustainable economic benefit for coastal communities in support eco-adventure scuba dive tourism. Since 1991, the Artificial Reef Society has sunk eight ships and one Boeing 737.

The Society has no paid employees, and consists of a volunteer Board of Directors and hundreds of volunteers from BC, Alberta, and the northwest United States who have worked on our projects.
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What we do
The Artificial Reef Society of British Columbia consults on the partial recycling, and total conversion of ships-to-marine habitats using ethical means for disposal at sea. Our artificial reefs are designed by divers for divers of all skill levels.
  • consult on the cost advantages to convert ships into functional marine habitats,
  • work with government agencies to acquire permits, and consult with stake holders
  • establish budgets and plan for operational phases of vessel conversion,
  • research and select locations for placement for effective bio-diversity recruitment,
  • economic stimulus to local communities through eco-adventured dive tourism
  • provide living laboratories for marine study and more.
Click above to see
what ARSBC dive sites
have to offer
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The Artificial Reef Society of British Columbia is a proud member of the Association of British Columbia Marine Industries.
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​C/O  VANCOUVER MARITIME MUSEUM
1905 OGDEN AVE
VANCOUVER
BC V6J 1A3
WHY DO WE MAKE ARTIFICIAL REEFS?

The diversity of marine life along BC's coastline is under increasing stress through overfishing, ecological damage, pollution, and loss of habitat. Artificial reefs in the form of large steel vessels address this issue by providing new habitat opportunities in areas without significant natural reef structures.  
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Retired, surplus and derelict ships, stripped of all dangerous and polluting components, make ideal long term complex marine habitat. Steel hulled ships are stripped, recycled and repurposed into man-made reefs. Within a short time in the marine environment they come to support self-sustaining ecosystems comprised of a wide variety of fish and fauna. The structures eventually mimic natural reef settings with their growing marine populations. Artificial reefs are also enjoyed as a prime destination for eco-adventure scuba diver tourism.
Please help the ARSBC continue its mission to create, monitor, and maintain artificial reefs in Canadian waters and beyond! 
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Donations of $25 or more will receive a tax-deductible charitable donation receipt. (Charitable Organization #139743397)
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