NYC Subway Cars Repurposed as Artificial Reefs Boost Marine Life 400-Fold

New York deployed over 2,500 retired subway cars as artificial reefs in the Atlantic from 2001-2010, with studies showing a 400-fold increase in marine life compared to surrounding sandy seabed. The metal structures provided stable surfaces for species settlement and reproduction, creating new ecosystems. This demonstrates a successful large-scale marine habitat restoration approach, though long-term ecological impacts remain under study.