‘Texas Star’ added to Delaware’s Artificial Reef System

The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control continued to broaden the recreational appeal of Delaware’s renowned artificial reef system by sinking the Texas Star, originally outfitted as a floating casino, at a reef site 16.5 miles offshore of the Delaware coast, with readings of 38.40.494/74.43.868 at a depth of 86 feet. Built in 1977 on a multi-purpose supply ship hull, the Texas Star was last at sea as a commercial scallop catcher/processor vessel, finding its third life at approximately 4:20 EDT as ocean floor fish habitat planned by DNREC’s artificial reef program.

[@mattsnook8393]

Great job, love all the structure that is making it's way out there. I am guessing the contractors and such don't really want other vessels in the area. But it's sort of a shame that these are not publicly announced beforehand. I would have enjoyed making the run out to observe these deployments.

[@paulenterline3107]

I'm no marine biologist but this seems like a very simple and cost-effective way to provide new habitat for all sorts of marine life. Are there any downsides, except the lost scrap value of the ship?

[@delawarednrec]

Creating artificial reefs is a great way to sustain fisheries and recreational fishing opportunities. These habitats are created with durable, stable, non-toxic reef materials that can develop rich invertebrate communities. Learn more at de.gov/artificialreefs.

[@keithdavis8081]

Do they just cut the towing cable at the towboat end?

[@delawarednrec]

Thanks for the question! Actually, the line was a loop from the towboat through two holes in the bow of the Texas Star and back to the towboat. Once the Texas Star went down, they released one end from the towboat and retrieved the line by pulling it through the holes on the bow of the Star.