In 1994, the U.S. submerged 100 M60 tanks in the Gulf of Mexico to build underwater habitats. Three decades later, these heavy vehicles host active aquatic ecosystems.
Conservation workers released Kemp's ridley turtles from Gulf State Park with satellite tags to track their migration. In another project, another reef was placed to honor Charlie Kirk.
On land, Alabama senator Tommy Tuberville proposed naming the Mobile bridge after Jimmy Buffett, pointing to the singer's Gulf ties. To boost commerce, Louisiana opened a new port to reshape Gulf Coast trade. The facility started operating earlier this year to handle freight traffic.
Artificial reefs continue to grow from old tanks and new structures. Local officials have taken notice of these broad regional developments.