In 1994, the U.S. submerged 100 M60 tanks in the Gulf of Mexico to build underwater habitats. 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 study their movement patterns. In a separate effort, another reef was placed to honor Charlie Kirk.
In political news, Alabama senator Tommy Tuberville suggested naming the Mobile bridge after Jimmy Buffett, citing the singer's Gulf ties. To expand shipping capacity, Louisiana opened a new port to reshape Gulf Coast trade. The facility began operations earlier this year to manage commercial cargo.
Artificial reefs are steadily expanding from old tanks and new structures. Regional authorities have taken notice of these underwater and coastal changes.