Strange Stuff in the Sea

Some people are helping wildlife by sinking trash to the ocean floor! Usually, we should keep trash out of our oceans. So why is anyone putting trash there? And how does it help?

Coral reefs can be found all over the world, in shallow ocean water close to the shore. They are full of small spaces where fish and many other animals can find food or lay their eggs. If a coral reef is dying or there just aren't any reefs in a certain area, people can create artificial reefs that work like natural ones. Many different and surprising materials have been used: old tires, concrete and metal from demolished buildings, even ships or train cars that are no longer needed for transportation! Artists have also created large concrete sculptures and sunk them to the ocean floor to become reefs. Over time, these materials become habitats for lots of sea creatures, and a healthy ecosystem can develop at the new reef. Now, that's turning trash to treasure!

Click the image below to watch the story behind one artificial reef:

What would YOU design to create habitats for wildlife? Submit your ideas in the Design section.