The Osborne Reef: A Graveyard of Two Million Tires Plaguing America's Waters

Photo Source - Google

Osborne Reef: 1970s artificial reef project using discarded tires off Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

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Project aimed to imitate coral reef benefits, protect coastlines, and enhance recreation.

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Deteriorating bindings caused tires to damage nearby coral reefs over time.

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Coastal winds worsened issue, scattering tires beyond reef boundaries, littering beaches.

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Ongoing cleanup involves multiple organizations, including Nova Southeastern University, Florida DEP, Broward County, and the U.S. military.

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Dr. Robin Sherman led grant-funded effort, removed 1,600 tires from the reef.

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U.S. military's DiveExEast07 operation recovered 73,000 tires; Industrial Divers Association removed 250,000 tires.

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4ocean focuses on Osborne Reef cleanup, removes substantial tire quantity.

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Florida Governor DeSantis initiates comprehensive cleanup plan with assessment, restoration, and waste reduction measures.

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