Xihuw Reef: Visit the folks who brought the Boeing 737 airframe reef to Chemainus SHE'S DOWN!

 

 

 

 

In recognition of permission to use the location for the placement of the artificial reef, a plaque was placed on the aircraft giving thanks to the Hul'qumi'num Mustimuhw.

The name Xihuw Reef has been given to the site out of respect for the red Sea Urchin which would have lived in abundance in the area in the past. This creature along with swimming scallops and other bottom dwelling creatures have seen significant impact over the last 50 to 100 years from pollution in the way of sewage, industrial effluent and forest industry waste. Over-fishing and bottom dragging has also seriously effected the habitat. It is hoped that the new habitat created by the artificial Reef will provide opportunity for the return of these and other significant creatures in the environment.

Below: Boeing 737 On Thetis Island beach being prepared for sinking