Its propellers dug two deep trenches in the bottom as the sub tried to free itself from the reef, which is estimated to be 3,000 years old. Now, the county and NSU's Oceanographic Center in Dania Beach are using the money to try to repair the damage, as well as study coral reef growth. The study is expected to last three years. The study also will look at what types of fish are attracted to the reefs. Researchers also plan to put algae extract on some of the reef balls to see what types of sea life are drawn to the artificial reef.
Some fish destroy coral growth.
Living corals also will be planted on the reef balls throughout the year to try to stimulate growth, said Ken Banks, manager of marine resource programs for Broward County. In addition, reef balls of different shapes will be dropped into the water to see if they attract different types of fish, Banks said.