On April 22, 1972, a Goodyear blimp floated over Fort Lauderdale as over 150 boats released old tires into the ocean. This was not considered littering; federal scientists had persuaded the public that rubber tires served well as artificial reefs. Broward Artificial Reef Inc, under the leadership of Virgil Osborne, initially utilized concrete but transitioned to tires after federal researchers signaled their preference. The initiative included Goodyear providing materials and federal agencies endorsing the project.
Nevertheless, the tire reef encountered immediate backlash as it did not attract marine life as expected. The plastic straps and metal clips securing the tires deteriorated, causing them to drift and create an environmental crisis. Researchers from Nova Southeastern recorded damage to natural reefs and referred to the site as a junkyard. They advised that the unstable materials be removed.
Since 2007, attempts to eliminate the tires have been ongoing, albeit with limited achievements. By 2023, around 484,000 tires remain visible, with removal expected to extend into 2033. The tires intended to promote marine life have ironically become a nuisance, as stony corals have begun to grow on them, requiring meticulous removal and replanting before the tires can be extracted. This ongoing issue underscores the complexities and long-lasting consequences of extensive environmental projects.