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.

First-ever Indigenous water docuseries, "Water Worlds", set to premiere on APTN in January 2025

Oak BayNewsThe Artificial Reef Society of British Columbia proudly announces being one of the featured episodes in a new upcoming all aboriginal documentary series called Water Worlds directed by film producer Len Morrisette, President of the Alberta Native Friendship Society. 

This 13 - part series will air on January 9, 2025, on the APTN network channel. The Artificial Reef Society will be highlighted for its contribution to marine habitat conservation in episode 11 titled “Finding Balance” scheduled for March 20, at 9:30 PST and on March 27 at 3:30 PST.  Divers from the reef society will journey to the wrecks of the former HMCS Columbia in Campbell River BC sunk on June 22, 1996, and the American built concrete ship YOGN-82 sunk on June 23, 2018, in Powell River BC.

​The series is narrated by popular Canadian first nations actress Tantoo Cardinal. Water Worlds is the first all aboriginal documentary series of its kind, and we are very proud to be associated with it. Episode 11 will show viewers the work of the Artificial Reef Society and how well ship-to-reefs perform to balance the health of our marine ecosystem as a
complex habitat management tool.

​Official News-Release:
www.globenewswire.com/fr/news-release/2024/11/19/2983781/0/en/First-ever-Indigenous-water-docuseries-Water-Worlds-set-to-premiere-on-APTN-in-January-2025.html

​Island communities featured in first-ever Indigenous underwater exploration docuseries - Oak Bay News
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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