Osborne Reef Waste Tire Removal Project Overview and Environmental Restoration Efforts

Project Summary

During the 1970s, approximately 1 to 2 million tires were deliberately placed off the coast of Broward County, Florida. The initiative, known as the Osborne Reef Project, was intended to create an artificial reef to enhance fish habitats and boost local marine life. However, the project’s outcome was environmentally damaging rather than beneficial.

Over time, the tires became loose, moving freely along the ocean floor. This movement damaged nearby natural coral reefs and disrupted marine ecosystems instead of supporting them. The project unintentionally caused long-term harm to the very environment it aimed to improve.

Tire Removal Efforts

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), in cooperation with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and other partners, launched a cleanup and removal project. The initiative seeks to retrieve loose and scattered tires to mitigate ongoing environmental harm. Specialized contractors use divers and equipment to safely collect and remove the tires without further disturbing marine habitats.

The collected tires are transported to appropriate recycling or disposal facilities onshore. The process is carefully managed to ensure compliance with both environmental safety standards and marine conservation guidelines.

Restoration Goals

The primary goal of the Osborne Reef Waste Tire Removal Project is to restore the natural coral environment by eliminating the artificial debris. By clearing tire material, the program helps rejuvenate surrounding coral reefs, improve fish habitats, and support the long-term health of Florida’s marine ecosystem.

“The Osborne Reef cleanup demonstrates Florida’s commitment to responsible marine restoration and the correction of past environmental missteps.”

Project Partners

This project is a collaborative effort among:

Each partner contributes funding, equipment, or technical support to ensure that cleanup operations are safe, efficient, and environmentally sound.

Contact and Additional Information

For more information about the Osborne Reef Waste Tire Removal Project, contact the Florida Department of Environmental Protection or visit their official website.

Author’s summary: The Osborne Reef cleanup corrects a failed 1970s reef experiment by removing millions of tires to restore coral habitats and safeguard Florida’s marine ecosystems.

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Florida Department of Environmental Protection (.gov) Florida Department of Environmental Protection (.gov) — 2025-11-26

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