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This project is to create an artificial reef in South Florida
using the USS
Oriskany an 888 ft de-commissioned Essex Class aircraft
carrier.
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Project Objectives
- Naval and Maritime Heritage.
- Eco-Tourism and economic growth.
- Educational and conservation programs.
- Fishery resource habitat.
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Economic Benefit of Artificial & Natural Reefs
A 2001 Hazen Sawyer socioeconomic study of reefs commissioned by the Federal Government and the four South Florida
Counties of Miami-Dade, Broward, Monroe, and Palm Beach documented that 28 million visits to South Florida natural
and artificial reefs over a 12-month period generated $4.4
Billion income and 71,000 jobs in South Florida.
USS Oriskany Economic Benefit
The one year study documented that the natural and artificial reefs in Miami Dade County generated $1.3 billion in sales, which resulted in $614 million in income and 19,000
jobs. Based on this study the GMCVB projects the USS
Oriskany would generate an additional annual economic impact in excess of $320,000,000, over 4,400 jobs and return
$17.29 million in sales tax revenue to the State.
Background
The Educational Council for Space Age Technology Inc (ECOSAT) is IRS certified 501 (c) (3) and a member of the
Historic Naval Ships Association (HNSA). The Dive Miami Alliance is a Florida not for profit Corporation that promotes
recreational diving in Miami.
Our first project was to work with Miami area grade school teachers in 1989 encouraging children to develop an
interest in math, science and technology with the Young Astronaut Program. www.yac.org
In the 1993 Spirit of Miami project ECOSAT teamed with
the Destination Atlantis artificial reef B-727 to encourage grade school students to explore the world of inner
space while Destination Atlantis promoted Miami as a scuba diving destination.
In 1995 Destination Atlantis worked with the GMVCB to arrange for DEMA, the Dive Equipment and Manufacturing Association
to bring its annual convention to Miami in 2003. A 1997 GMCVB Magnet award was presented to Stephen O'Neal for
his effort.
ECOSAT's next project was the USS
Cabot CVL-28 in 1999, a World War II fast carrier christened
"The Iron Woman" by Ernie Pyle. Conceived as an artificial reef project our awareness of her National
Historic Landmark status turned efforts towards preserving her. The White House and National Park Service designated
our effort as a "Save America's Treasures" project however clear title could not be obtained and she
was scrapped. HNSA awarded Stephen O'Neal its 2001 Russell Booth Award in recognition of his efforts to save this
last of nine WW II Independence class aircraft carriers. www.usscabot.com.
In 2002 Destination Atlantis formerly changed its name to Dive Miami, created the Dive Miami Alliance in 2003 which
teamed up with ECOSAT for the USS Oriskany Memorial Reef project.
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