The USS Vandenberg, a 528 foot vessel that once served in World War II is now home to thousands of fish and coral. The white metal structures on top of the ship are no longer stark white because they are covered in growth that will continue to grow over the years, becoming a vibrant mini ecosystem full of marine life. The sink date was the last week of May 2009, one year ago, and everyone agrees that the USS Vandenberg artificial reef has so far been a very successful enterprise for all involved.
Aside from the startling numbers of barracudas which seem to be permanently schooled on the wreck, divers have spotted schools of sardines that seem to have taken up residence. It's a good place to see big jacks too, like yellow jacks which are good sport fish. In fact, divers will notice that the sardines are shadowed by cero mackerel and amberjacks.
Since the sinking of the Vandenberg, a whole new chapter has opened up for those who visit to do some Key West scuba diving. Local dive shops, according to the folks at http://diving-
"We were so excited when we learned the Vandenberg project was really going to happen" says Dave Moritz, owner of a small local dive shop in Key West. "Now that the reef is a year old we can really see lots of new life all the time and it's very exciting". Mr. Moritz has been diving since the 1980's and considers the Vandenberg artificial reef to be one of the most fascinating dives he's done. That's because divers who regularly dive the wreck will be able to witness change and growth of a totally new reef. "I've watched the Vandenberg become a totally rich area for marine life, and that's starting from zip the day it was sunk" he explains. "Fish appeared almost immediately, especially the barracuda at first" continued Mr. Moritz, who dives the Vandenberg at least one a week year round.
Those planning a vacation at http://keywestvacationguide.com/
