80-Foot Kraken on Old WWII Ship Becomes Artificial Reef in the British Virgin Islands

BVI Art Reef - Artificial Reef in the Virgin Islands

Photo: Owen Buggy

With more and more natural reefs dying due to climate change, people are increasingly turning to artificial reefs to provide safe ecosystems for aquatic life. And while we've seen everything from subway cars to underwater sculptures used for this purpose, nothing is quite as evocative as the BVI Art Reef.

Structured to promote the growth of transplanted coral, the artificial reef is composed of a WWII fuel barge topped by an elaborate 80-foot mesh kraken. Named the Kodiak Queen, the BVI Art Reef is also open to divers, as well as marine scientists and local students from the British Virgin Islands. The ship, which is one of five that fought at Pearl Habor, was set to be scrapped before photographer Owen Buggy discovered its historical significance and brought this unique idea to Sir Richard Branson, who lives on Necker Island in the British Virgin Islands.

After years of careful research and planning to transform the warship into a place that would attract divers and also cultivate a healthy ecosystem, the Kodiak Queen was sunk into the Caribbean Sea in April 2017. BVI Art Reef united Branson's nonprofit Unite B.V.I., artist group Secret Samurai Productions, social justice entrepreneurial group Maverick1000, and ocean education nonprofit Beneath the Waves, in the hopes of raising awareness about environmental issues facing the ocean and inspiring people to come up with positive solutions for change.

The entire reef works in harmony with the existing ecosystem, with the sculptural kraken fostering coral growth that will help feed and house local species, such as the over-fished Goliath Grouper. Images from a July dive by photographer Michael Shronk already show signs of life on the reef, as coral grows on the mesh and local fish swim in and out of the giant tentacles.

“The BVI Art Reef gives us a unique platform to capture people’s attention on the importance of addressing ocean conservation and in particular, combat climate change, protect our coral reefs, and rehabilitate vulnerable marine species,” shares Branson. “This is an incredible opportunity to create one of the most meaningful dive sites in the world.”

In the British Virgin Islands, a World War II ship—topped with an 80-foot mesh kraken—has been sunk in the Caribbean Sea, creating an artificial reef.

richard branson virgin islands artificial reef

Photo: Owen Buggy

kodiak qween artificial reef

Photo: Owen Buggy

kodiak qween artificial reef

Photo: Owen Buggy

artificial reefs around the world

Photo: Owen Buggy

A large team worked tirelessly to perfect the final form of the BVI Art Reef, where the mesh sculpture will allow for coral growth.

richard branson virgin islands artificial reef

Photo: BVI Art Reef

richard branson virgin islands artificial reef

Photo: BVI Art Reef

richard branson virgin islands artificial reef

Photo: BVI Art Reef

Aside from marine scientists and local students, the reef is also open to divers—unlocking new ecotourism avenues.

richard branson virgin islands artificial reef

Photo: Owen Buggy

richard branson virgin islands artificial reef

Photo: Owen Buggy

Since it was sunk in April 2017, photographs show life forming within the reef, providing food and shelter for local marine species.

An upcoming documentary will follow the creation of this incredible attempt to save our oceans.

BVI Art ReefWebsite | Facebook 
h/t: [Colossal]

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Underwater Sculptures Celebrate Life on Earth and Protect Aquatic Ecosystems

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Life-Size VW Beetle Becomes a Reef

Malaysia Creates a 1-Million-Hectare Marine Park That Protects Its Delicate Ecosystem

Jessica Stewart

Jessica Stewart is a Contributing Writer and Digital Media Specialist for My Modern Met, as well as a curator and art historian. Since 2020, she is also one of the co-hosts of the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast. She earned her MA in Renaissance Studies from University College London and now lives in Rome, Italy. She cultivated expertise in street art which led to the purchase of her photographic archive by the Treccani Italian Encyclopedia in 2014. When she’s not spending time with her three dogs, she also manages the studio of a successful street artist. In 2013, she authored the book 'Street Art Stories Roma' and most recently contributed to 'Crossroads: A Glimpse Into the Life of Alice Pasquini'. You can follow her adventures online at @romephotoblog.
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