In 1994, the U.S. submerged 100 M60 tanks in the Gulf of Mexico to create seabed structures. Three decades later, these retired military vehicles host active aquatic ecosystems.
Marine scientists released Kemp's ridley turtles from Gulf State Park with satellite tags to track their migration. In a separate effort, another reef was placed to honor Charlie Kirk.
On land, Alabama senator Tommy Tuberville suggested naming the Mobile bridge after Jimmy Buffett, highlighting the singer's Gulf ties. To boost commerce, Louisiana opened a new port to reshape Gulf Coast trade. The facility started operating earlier this year to manage commercial cargo.
Artificial reefs are steadily expanding from old tanks and new structures. Local officials have taken notice of these ongoing marine and trade projects.