Potential of the Iran–Reshadat Shipwreck for Restoring Aquatic Reserves and Developing Conservation-Oriented Marine Ecotourism in Bushehr Province, Persian Gulf | ||
| نشریه ترویجی مطاف | ||
| Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 11 February 2026 PDF (609.23 K) | ||
| Document Type: Review Article | ||
| Authors | ||
| Hamed Ghanaatian* 1; Alireza Safahieh2; Keivan Kabiri3; Ahmad Savari2 | ||
| 1Marine Biology Department, Faculty of Marine Science & Oceanography, Khorramshahr University of Marine Science and Techno9logy (KMSU), Khorramshahr, Khuzestan, Iran | ||
| 2Marine Biology Department, Faculty of Marine Science & Oceanography, Khorramshahr University of Marine Science and Technology (KMSU), Khorramshahr, Khuzestan, Iran | ||
| 3Oceanic Data Management & Remote Sensing Department, Iranian National Institute for Oceanography and Atmospheric Science (INIOAS), Tehran, Iran | ||
| Abstract | ||
| The Iran–Reshadat shipwreck, formerly known as Bergen Maru, located in northern Bushehr Province of Iran, southeast of Bahregan Bay in the northwestern Persian Gulf, represents a rare convergence of historical and environmental values. Originally a wartime vessel and a remnant of the Iran–Iraq conflict, the structure has, over recent decades, evolved into an active artificial reef supporting diverse marine organisms and seabirds. In this study, field observations were integrated with data from scientific literature and documented reports to assess the ecological, cultural, and tourism-related capacities of the vessel. The results indicate that, with an approximate length of 166 m and a beam of 23 m, Iran–Reshadat is the largest shipwreck converted into an artificial habitat with an exposed superstructure in the Persian Gulf. The vessel provides an appropriate physical framework for seabird nesting and breeding, including confirmed breeding of the Bridled Tern (Onychoprion anaethetus) within the chambers of all three superstructure towers and a documented case of Lesser Crested Tern (Thalasseus bengalensis) breeding on one of the towers. In addition, the structure has enhanced local marine biodiversity and food-web complexity, thereby generating considerable habitat value. Beyond its ecological role, the vessel’s historical and cultural significance, together with distinctive surrounding attractions, confers substantial potential for development as a conservation-oriented marine ecotourism destination. Finally, this study proposes recommendations for sustainable management, responsible tourism development, habitat conservation, and the potential transformation of the site into the first underwater museum of the Sacred Defense. | ||
| Keywords | ||
| Artificial Reef; Iran Reshadat Shipwreck; Responsible Ecotourism; Seabird Watching; Sustainable Marine Development | ||
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