MARTA railcars now serve a new purpose underwater. Credit: Georgia Department of Natural Resources.
In a unique transformation, old subway cars from Atlanta have found a new life beneath the Atlantic Ocean. These railcars, once bustling with city commuters, are now part of an underwater ecosystem, 65 feet deep, where they serve as homes for various marine species.
At the end of last year, the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) teamed up with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to create artificial reefs off the coast of Georgia. Two railcars were sunk off the shore, joining a diverse collection of objects that now form what is known as Artificial Reef L. Before their descent, the railcars were carefully checked and any hazardous materials were removed. The US Coast Guard also inspected them to ensure safety.
In August, divers from the DNR Coastal Resources Division took their first look at the newly submerged railcars. They were pleased to find that soft corals were beginning to grow on the railcars and spotted at least nine different species of game fish. Cameron Brinton, a marine biologist with DNR’s Coastal Resources Division, expressed enthusiasm about the reef's progress. He noted, “The artificial reef is looking great, and we are encouraged by the amount of coral growth and marine wildlife activity.”
Brinton also mentioned that while one of the railcar roofs had collapsed, this is a normal occurrence. Over time, the railcars will continue to evolve as part of the marine habitat, supporting sea creatures including popular sport fish and endangered sea turtles.
Fish are now thriving in an artificial reef made from MARTA railcars in the Atlantic Ocean. Credit: Georgia Department of Natural Resources.
The practice of using manmade objects to create artificial reefs is not new. The reef where the railcars now rest has been in place since 1976 and is part of a network of 32 offshore reefs. This practice has historical roots; as far back as the 1700s, Japanese fishermen would sink old vessels and rocks into the sea to enhance fishing grounds.
Aside from the subway cars, the reef also includes an array of other objects such as U.S. Army M-60 battle tanks, barges, tugboats, and even New York City subway cars. This variety of materials contributes to a rich and diverse underwater environment.
However, the DNR also warns that exploring these artificial reefs can be dangerous. The structures are primarily intended to support fisheries and provide angling opportunities, but they can become unstable and collapse over time. Divers should be cautious of potential entanglement and entrapment hazards.
