"
What is an environmentally beneficial way to recycle
this massive glut of vessels that are beginning to accumulate? We are going to
be involved in establishing a new process that will take something that is
looked upon as a liability and transform it into a wonderful asset for the
community of Key West. We look forward to the day that we can look on the
internet and watch the fish swim by."
- Jeff Dey, President.
Resource Control Corporation
"Proper
installation of an artificial reef could not only enhance our fragile and vital
underwater environment and encourage tourism, but also provide a valuable
resource for both education and research within our community."
Bob
Smith, Program Director, Diving Technology
Florida Keys Community College
"The
Attractions Association Strongly supports the efforts of your organization to
create an Artificial reef in the waters off Key West. The sinking of the (ship)
southwest of Western Sambo will be an event which will bring positive attention
to our community. We congratulate you on the thorough work you are doing to make
this project beneficial to the environment, the educational community and the
business community."
-Michael Morowski
President.
"We
at Save-A-Turtle would like to commend you for your efforts to place the
ship...offshore Key West, to serve as an Artificial Reef that will add NEW
Habitat, for the marine animals in our area...we support ARK and the efforts to
provide that, with the addition of shipwrecks as a way to reduce stress on our
area reefs and provide a new thriving area of marine life."
-Mike Hall
President.
Key West Harbor Pilots "We
do believe this project will be an asset to the dive and recreational fishing
industry as well as the general public...We congratulate all those involved in
this worthy project and will be glad to support it in any way that we
can."
-Captain Robert W. Johnson
Senior Pilot.
" I
am writing this letter to express the support of the Florida Keys National
Marine Sanctuary (FKNMS) for the placement of a shipwreck as an artificial reef
between the Western Sambos Ecological Reserve and Sand Key... I applaud your
initiative to build partnerships in the community."
-Billy D. Causey, Superintendent
Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.
"
Please be advised that the Board of Directors of Key West Hotel and Motel
Association at its regular meeting of March 1, 2000 voted to support your
efforts to complete this project."
-Jack Smith, MSA
Executive Vice President.
"
The Key West Innkeepers Association supports your organization in the effort to
create an artificial reef in Key West by sinking the ship...By working with the
Marine Sanctuary and the Community College you have developed a project which
will benefit the whole community including the interests of business, education
and the environment.
-John W. Marburg
President, Board of Directors.
"The
sinking of the ship...is a project which will benefit the whole community
including business and environmental interests...The Key West Chamber of
Commerce commends the thorough and careful planning you are giving to this
undertaking for the future of our environment."
-Virginia A. Panico
Executive Vice President.
We would like to thank 'Seaweed's Ships Histories' for
providing us with photographs (such as the black and white photograph on our
homepage) of the General Hoyt Vandenberg.
"This
letter represents an expression of interest in...the use of the vessel 'General
Hoyt Vandenburg' as as artificial reef. This is a project which is being promoted
by the diving community under the leadership of a local grass roots non profit
organization called Artificial Reefs of the Keys, Ltd."
-Jon Dodrill, Environmental Administrator
Office of Fisheries Management And Assistance Services.
(Maritime
Administration)
"Be advised that the vessel (General Hoyt S. Vandenberg) has been set aside
for the Artificial Fish Reef Program and specifically for the Artificial Reefs
of the Keys due to their active interest."
-Andres Hark, Vessel Custody Analyst.
"We...
support your organizations efforts to sink the Vandenberg in the waters
of Key West as an artificial reef for diving and fish habitat. We admire your
organizations thoroughness in involving many other groups in this project that
is supportive of the environmental, business and educational
communities in Key West."
-Kent Henry, President.
"The city has developed both reef balls and pyramids and there has been a
significant increase in both the size and quantity of fish...I think artificial
reefs are extremely worthwhile and the City will continue its program each
year."
-Frank Healy.
" The FKWDA fully supports Artificial Reefs of the
Keys, and the current Vandenberg wreck project. we encourage community
support ...This project provides a multitude of invaluable opportunities
for the recreational dive community in regards to promoting potential
increased tourism, educational research & monitoring programs and much
more.
-Captain Sheri L. Sullenger, Co-Director.
"Such a reef will increase habitat for reef fishes and provide a
recreational opportunity for divers."
-DeeVon Quirolo, Executive Director.
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