State Sinks Shrimp Boat to Build Artificial Reef
South Carolina wildlife officials turned a retired steel-hulled shrimp boat into a marine habitat ten miles off the coast.
Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Fishing
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Should abandoned boats be sunk as artificial reefs instead of sent to landfills?
The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources sank a steel-hulled shrimp boat about ten miles off the coast to serve as an artificial reef. The project was carried out with boat owners, scuba divers, and conservation groups.
Why it matters
The reef is designed to benefit marine wildlife, divers, and fishermen along the South Carolina coast. Recycling the vessel instead of sending it to a landfill also offers an alternative to destroying abandoned boats.
The shrimp boat was sunk about ten miles offshore after roughly three years of planning. The source does not report the reef's final dimensions or the expected timeline for marine colonization.
The players
South Carolina Department of Natural Resources
The state agency responsible for managing South Carolina's fish, wildlife, and natural habitats, which led the reef sinking.
Horry County Delegation
The group of state lawmakers representing Horry County, which provided funding for the removal of derelict and abandoned boats.
The details
A contractor placed plugs in the hull that were pulled once the boat was in position, and ropes guided it to the ocean bottom. Scuba divers confirmed the vessel rested properly on the seafloor.
Timeline
Planning for the artificial reef project began approximately three years before November 2026.
The shrimp boat was sunk on Monday, November 9, 2026.
Travel Outlook
Artificial reefs built from retired vessels are a recycling alternative to the common practice of landfilling abandoned fiberglass boats. This project shows how coastal states can turn derelict hulls into fishing and diving habitat.
Anglers and divers along the South Carolina coast may find new structure to fish and explore once the reef matures. The project also signals that abandoned boats can be kept out of landfills through state-supported removal efforts.
The takeaway
Repurposing retired vessels into reefs can support marine life and recreation while keeping boats out of landfills. Coastal residents with derelict boats can ask local officials about removal programs.
Further reading
Explore more on Fishing to see how artificial reefs support local angling.
Live Poll
Should abandoned boats be sunk as artificial reefs instead of sent to landfills?
