Subway Cars Generate New Life

The GADNR Offshore Artificial Reef Project covers ~116 square miles and consists of 20 offshore reefs, two "beach reefs," and eight Department of Defense Tactical Air Crew Training System Towers. Reef Projects have thrived over the years due to the generosity of its many donors providing funding and/or materials of opportunity. These materials play an important role in the State's marine fisheries and coastal economies. The creation of long-term fisheries habitat also provides increased opportunities for recreational fishing and SCUBA diving along the coast.

Each summer staff conduct offshore artificial reef monitoring via SCUBA diving at as many reef sites as possible. Through diver surveys staff can assess material structural integrity, species abundance and diversity, as well as fish and invertebrate biomass accumulation over time.

In July of 2016 staff visited the JY, DRH, HLHA, and L Reef sites in coastal Georgia waters to assess the condition of subway cars donated by the New York City Transit Authority that were deployed from 2008-2010. Through monitoring of these materials GADNR has found that some cars remain 100% intact while others have collapsed (see photographs) but still remain active red snapper habitat.

These recent dives verify that regardless of condition the subway cars have created vital habitat for numerous fish, coral, and invertebrate species.

To learn more about Georgia's Artificial Reefs visit the "Offshore Artificial Reef" page

Watch a video of subway cars being deployed as artificial reef material and see them underwater several years later. Subway Car Video (youtube 2:36 )