VIDEO: Sinking the Kraken

Video Courtesy: Texas Parks and Wildlife

The US Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Artificial Reef Program sank a 371-foot cargo vessel, named the Kraken, on January 20, 2017.

The ship was sunk 67 miles off the coast of Galveston to create a new artificial reef.

Over time, this sunken ship will become an artificial reef that attracts fish, coral, and other invertebrates as well as divers and anglers. The Kraken’s proximity to the Flower Gardens Marine Sanctuary also makes it a “premier dive location” in the Gulf of Mexico, according to Texas Parks and Wildlife.

Artificial reefs are said to enhance the marine environment by providing additional habitat needed by marine life.

The aim of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Artificial Reef Program, which is funded through industry partnerships and grants, is to create and improve the marine habitat off the coast of Texas.

Image Courtesy: Texas Parks and Wildlife