1 February, 2025
Contact
Ocean Sanctuaries
Barbara Lloyd
Phone: +1.858.633.7305
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.oceansanctuaries.org
HMCS Yukon Artificial Reef: A 20-Year Legacy of Marine Life and Citizen Science
Ocean Sanctuaries Marks Two Decades of Research, Conservation, and Community Engagement on San Diego’s Premier Artificial Reef
San Diego, CA – 1 February, 2025 – Twenty years ago, the HMCS Yukon made its final voyage—not as a warship, but as a beacon of marine conservation. Since its intentional sinking in 2000, the 366-foot-long former Canadian warship has transformed into one of California’s most successful artificial reefs, offering a vital habitat for marine life, a world-class dive site, and a research hub for scientists and citizen scientists alike.
To commemorate this milestone, Ocean Sanctuaries is expanding its Yukon Marine Life Survey Project, a long-term biodiversity monitoring program that relies on divers and citizen scientists to collect vital ecological data. This initiative aims to analyze species trends, document habitat changes, and measure the long-term impact of artificial reefs on ocean ecosystems.
“The HMCS Yukon represents one of the greatest success stories in artificial reef conservation,” said [Expert Name], Marine Biologist and Ocean Sanctuaries Advisor. “Over two decades, this ship has become a thriving ecosystem, demonstrating the remarkable resilience of marine life and the role that artificial reefs can play in ocean restoration.”
A Warship’s Second Life Beneath the Waves
Originally commissioned in 1963, the HMCS Yukon served in the Royal Canadian Navy for nearly 40 years before being decommissioned. Rather than being scrapped, the vessel was selected for the San Diego Oceans Foundation’s Artificial Reef Project. The goal was to create a man-made reef that would both support local marine life and provide divers with an alternative site, reducing stress on natural reefs.
On July 14, 2000, the Yukon was deliberately sunk two miles off the coast of Mission Beach, San Diego, in 100 feet of water. Since then, it has been colonized by an incredible variety of marine species, including:
Broadnose Sevengill Sharks (Notorynchus cepedianus) – Top predators often spotted in the area.
Giant Sea Bass (Stereolepis gigas) – A once-endangered species making a comeback.
Rockfish, Lingcod, and Garibaldi – Using the ship’s interior for shelter.
Sponges, Corals, and Algae – Creating a colorful underwater landscape.
Nudibranchs and Invertebrates – Indicating the health of the reef ecosystem.
Citizen Science: How Divers Help Monitor the Yukon’s Biodiversity
Since 2015, Ocean Sanctuaries has led the Yukon Marine Life Survey Project, an innovative citizen science initiative that enlists volunteer scuba divers to document the species living on the wreck. Participants capture images and log sightings in iNaturalist, a global biodiversity database that helps scientists track species trends over time.
Key aspects of the survey include:
✅ Photo Identification – Divers take images of fish, corals, and invertebrates for research.
✅ Data Collection – Observations are recorded in iNaturalist and global biodiversity databases.
✅ Seasonal Comparisons – Yearly surveys track long-term ecological trends.
✅ Artificial Reef Impact Studies – Research helps assess how artificial reefs function as marine habitats.
“Without them, we wouldn’t have such a clear picture of how the Yukon has evolved into a functioning ecosystem.” said Barbara Lloyd
What We’ve Learned in 20 Years: Conservation Insights from the Yukon
Two decades of monitoring the Yukon have yielded groundbreaking insights into marine ecology and artificial reef success. Here are some key findings:
📌 Increased Biodiversity – Since 2000, over 100 species have been documented on the wreck, from tiny nudibranchs to large apex predators.
📌 Marine Protected Area Benefits – The Yukon sits within California’s network of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), which has helped enhance fish populations in the surrounding waters.
📌 Artificial Reefs as Climate Change Indicators – The Yukon’s surface has seen increased coral and sponge growth, signaling potential shifts in water temperature and nutrient availability.
📌 Impact on Fish Populations – Rockfish, lingcod, and other species use the Yukon as a spawning and nursery ground, helping replenish local fish stocks.
📌 Citizen Science’s Role in Conservation – Data collected by volunteer divers has been integrated into larger studies on artificial reefs, fisheries management, and climate change.
Expanding Research in 2025: What’s Next?
In honor of its 20-year anniversary, Ocean Sanctuaries is expanding the Yukon Marine Life Survey Project to deepen our understanding of artificial reefs. New initiatives include:
🔬 Advanced Monitoring Technology – Integrating underwater ROVs (remotely operated vehicles) for deeper analysis of the wreck.
📸 Underwater Photography Competitions – Encouraging divers to capture high-quality images for research.
🎓 Training for Citizen Scientists – Offering workshops on marine species identification and data collection techniques.
🌍 Collaborations with Research Institutions – Partnering with marine biologists, universities, and conservation organizations to analyze long-term ecological trends.
“With climate change threatening natural reefs, projects like the Yukon serve as a critical case study for how artificial structures can support marine biodiversity.” said Barbara Lloyd
How to Get Involved
Ocean Sanctuaries invites divers, marine enthusiasts, and conservationists to help document the Yukon’s thriving ecosystem. Whether you’re a seasoned researcher or a recreational diver, you can contribute by:
Joining a Yukon Survey Dive – Participate in biodiversity monitoring.
Photographing Marine Life – Upload images and observations to iNaturalist.
Attending a Citizen Science Workshop – Learn how to collect and analyze marine biodiversity data.
Supporting the Project – Volunteer, donate, or partner with Ocean Sanctuaries to expand research efforts.
For more information on how to participate in the Yukon Marine Life Survey Project, visit www.oceansanctuaries.org.
About Ocean Sanctuaries
Ocean Sanctuaries is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering citizen scientists to protect marine ecosystems. Through education, outreach, and hands-on research projects, the organization fosters a global community of ocean advocates working to preserve the world’s oceans for future generations.
Media Contact
Ocean Sanctuaries
Barbara Lloyd
Phone: +1.858.633.7305
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.oceansanctuaries.org