# Understanding the REEF Act

When the Navy retires old ships, they typically get scrapped or disposed of in various ways. This bill creates a simple requirement: before the Navy gets rid of a ship that could become an artificial reef, they have to tell Congress about it first—at least 90 days in advance. An artificial reef is basically a sunken ship or structure placed on the ocean floor that creates a habitat for fish and other marine life, turning what would otherwise be waste into something environmentally useful.

The bill essentially says the Navy should explore whether retired ships could be turned into artificial reefs before they decide to scrap them. This matters because artificial reefs provide real environmental and economic benefits. They create fishing grounds, support marine ecosystems, and can attract tourism. Instead of breaking down a ship for parts or dumping it, the Navy would consider whether it could serve a second life underwater helping ocean life and local communities that depend on fishing and diving.

For most Americans, this won't directly affect daily life, but it could benefit people in coastal communities where artificial reefs are created. Fishermen might have better fishing grounds, divers could have new sites to explore, and marine life gets additional habitat. The bill doesn't require the Navy to turn every ship into a reef—it just requires them to think about it and give Congress a heads-up before they dispose of ships that could work as reefs. It's essentially asking the military to consider environmental benefits before making disposal decisions, while keeping Congress informed about what happens to retired naval vessels.

REEF Act

Salazar, Maria Elvira

Re-using Equipment for Environmental Fortification Act or the REEF Act This bill requires the Department of the Navy to notify Congress of the pending retirement of vessels that are viable candidates for artificial reefing (intentionally sinking a vessel to promote marine life). Specifically, the Navy must provide such notice not later than 90 days before the viable candidate's retirement from the Naval Vessel Register.