In 1994, the U.S. sank 100 M60 tanks in the Gulf of Mexico to create seabed structures. Three decades later, these retired military vehicles form thriving artificial reefs.
Marine scientists 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 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 handle freight traffic.
Artificial reefs are steadily expanding from old tanks and new structures. Regional authorities have taken notice of these underwater and coastal changes.