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Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Roger Wicker (R-MS) introduced the Reusing Equipment for Environmental Fortification (REEF) Act. The REEF Act encourages the Navy to prioritize the repurposing of retired vessels into artificial reefs to reinforce marine environments and create both recreational and economic opportunities. The bill would ensure that Congress is given advance notice when a vessel is expected to be retired, providing Congress with additional oversight and opportunities to seek the transfer of eligible vessels to state and local governments for artificial reefing purposes. Congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL) introduced bipartisan companion legislation in the House of Representatives.
“Florida’s marine ecosystems are of vital importance to the state’s biodiversity, economy and way of life,” Rubio said. “The REEF Act would create new opportunities to utilize retiring navy ships as artificial reefs to the benefit of marine life and Florida’s tourism-based economy.”
“Anglers and ecologists alike understand that supplying fish and other marine life with new habitats is great not only for the environment, but also for the local economies that rely upon fishing and diving,” Wicker said. “Providing a new pathway for retired naval vessels to become artificial reefs is a great way that Congress can come together to support our coastal communities.”
“As a representative from a coastal district, I know first-hand that we must do more to support our marine ecosystems,” Salazar said. “I’m proud to introduce a bill that gives us the opportunity to accomplish that by giving our retired navy ships a new purpose, all while creating new recreational opportunities for fishermen and divers that boost local economies.”
The following organizations support the REEF Act:
American Sportfishing Association
BoatU.S.
Center for Sportfishing Policy
Coastal Conservation Association
Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation
Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation
International Game Fish Association
National Marine Manufacturers Association
National Association of Charterboat Operators
Panama City Boatmen Association
Recreational Fishing Alliance
Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership
Wild Oceans