CHARLESTON, S.C. (October 16, 2017) – Artificial Reefs International - U.S.S. Clamagore (ARI) and lifestyle brand Salt Life announced that they are partnering on a project to convert the U.S.S. Clamagore, a Cold War era submarine currently located in Charleston, South Carolina, into an artificial reef off the coast of Palm Beach County, Florida. The project will begin in early 2018. Project details can be seen at www.clamagorereef.com.
Under the supervision of CRB Geological & Environmental Services, Inc., the Clamagore will undergo intensive cleaning processes to ensure that it is environmentally sound, and panels will be removed from one side of the boat to create an underwater museum. Once established, artificial reefs will provide food, shelter, protection and spawning areas for marine life, as well as provide recreational opportunities for scuba divers and anglers. Salt Life has announced the sale of limited edition commemorative tees with net proceeds supporting the U.S.S. Clamagore Artificial Reef Project. You can purchase a Clamagore teehere.
“Salt Life is proud to be part of such a historic and important project,” Salt Life President Jeff Stillwell said. “Not only do artificial reefs allow an entire ecosystem to flourish on the ocean floor, but they also offer endless opportunities for divers, anglers and all who enjoy the ‘Salt Life.’ The Clamagore project is going to have a tremendous positive impact on the local economy by bringing more eco-tourism to The Palm Beaches. We hope the Clamagore reef will become a pilgrimage for divers for years to come.”
Commissioned in 1945, the U.S.S. Clamagore was one of 120 Balao-class diesel electric submarines built during WWII. She went on to serve the United States for 30 more years as a shadow hunter and training vessel during the Cold War, earning the moniker “The Gray Ghost of the Florida Coast.” Since 1981, the U.S.S. Clamagore has been on display at the Patriots Point Maritime Museum in Charleston, South Carolina. With the costs of repairs and maintenance at an all-time high, the artificial reef project will preserve and honor the Clamagore’s history and create a dive site for future generations to enjoy.
“The Clamagore Project has been designed to be like no other artificial reef project ever created," said Joe Weatherby, senior project manager for ARI. “Instead of turning the boat into scrap metal, the legacy of the Clamagore will live on as she goes on final duty off The Palm Beaches in Florida."
About Artificial Reefs International:
ARI brings more than 25 years of experience in artificial reefing. ARI also has experience in marine conservation, scuba diving, angling, and boating.
ARI reefs are carefully designed to provide long-term benefits for marine conservation and economic interests. ARI will only deploy reefs that are cleaned to exacting standards for compliance with state and federal environmental guidelines.
The ARI team understands international media & public relations, large-scale fundraising, project concept & design, public speaking, operations management, and risk management. Learn more at www.arireefs.com.
About Salt Life:
Salt Life is an authentic, aspirational and lifestyle brand that embraces those who love the ocean and everything associated with living the “Salt Life”. Founded in 2003 by four avid watermen from Jacksonville Beach, Florida, the Salt Life brand has widespread appeal with ocean enthusiasts worldwide. From fishing, diving and surfing, to beach fun and sun-soaked relaxation, the Salt Life brand says, “I live the Salt Life”. From its first merchandise offerings in 2006, Salt Life has grown to more than $30 million in annual sales, with distribution in surf shops, specialty stores, department stores and sporting goods retailers.
Salt Life, LLC is operated as an operating subsidiary of Delta Apparel, Inc., where it has been managed since 2011. The flagship Salt Life retail store, which opened in Jacksonville Beach, Florida in 2012, serves as a vision for retail customers to see product placements they can utilize in their stores and across multiple platforms. Salt Life's corporate office is located in Columbus, GA and their distribution center was recently relocated to Fayetteville, NC. Numerous professional athletes and sportsmen have an alliance with the brand in cross-marketing partnerships. (http://www.saltlife.com/athletes/)
About Palm Beach County Artificial Reef Program:
In Palm Beach County, artificial reefs have been created since the 1960's. Since 1987, the construction of the artificial reefs has been managed by Palm Beach County’s Department of Environmental Resources Management. To date the County has over 157 artificial reefs, 56 of those being ships and barges. They have also placed numerous limestone and concrete structures on the ocean floor to create artificial reefs. These reefs are mostly constructed within recreational diving limits and are monitored by volunteers from the Palm Beach County Reef Research Team.