Trade-A-Boat – August 2019

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FEATURE | HMAS DIVE SITES

When ocean currents encounter vertical structures
they create a plankton-rich upwelling that provides a
reliable feeding ground for fish, which in turn attract
larger pelagic predators, such as tuna and sharks.
Next come hole and crevice dwellers, like grouper,
octopus and eels, seeking protection from the ocean's
lethal openness.
Over months and years, the reef structure becomes
encrusted with corals and sponges, and eventually a
complex environment evolves to sustain the diverse
assemblage of marine life.
Artificial reefs have many social and economic
benefits – for recreational divers, local businesses and

community groups, for biodiversity and tourism, and

for research that provides a better understanding

of our magnificent marine environment. They also

constitute a fitting end for a warship and a lasting

memorial to decades of service in international

conflicts, in promoting peace and stability in our

region, in saving lives on storm-tossed seas and

in providing humanitarian relief to communities

devastated by natural disaster.

It seems only right and proper that they should

spend retirement in the ocean, cloaked in marine life

and honoured by recreational divers who treat them

with dignity and respect.

“Over months and years, the reef structure

becomes encrusted with corals and sponges.”

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT Ex-HMAS Swan in retirement; Swan proudly charging during its glory days