What is an Artificial Reef?
Artificial reefs are habitats strategically placed on the seafloor. Constructed from various materials and designed in diverse shapes, they provide shelter, nutrition, and reproduction for marine organisms.
What is the Mordoğan Artificial Reef and Underwater Archaeopark Project?
The Mordoğan Artificial Reef and Underwater Archaeopark Project, in collaboration with Ege University Faculty of Fisheries, strived to rejuvenate regional fisheries and exhilarating seafaring experiences. By harnessing the potential of artificial reefs, we aimed to restore lost and declining marine life. This transformative project began with creating an artificial reef, aspiring to elevate the region into a hub of underwater scientific exploration and adventure.
A remarkable 600 BC trade and war vessel has been meticulously crafted and submerged to become a thriving reef, surrounded by imitation amphorae from that time. Additionally, a C47 model aeroplane, a gift from the Air Force that served as a transport plane during World War II, now rests beneath the waves. This underwater archaeopark not only fosters scientific research but also nurtures diving tourism, enriching the cultural and economic landscape of the region.
