SPARS (Sidney Pier Artificial Reef Science) is a volunteer-based science project to evaluate and determine the effectiveness of a new artificial reef as crab, shrimp and other marine life habitat in Southern Vancouver Island waters.
The 90m (300') phase I of the 'Pier on Bevan' was constructed in the town of Sidney at the end of Bevan St. from 1992 to 1996. The Pier on Bevan project is a co-operative project by Sidney businesses and residents. In order to enhance recreational activities such as diving and fishing by the pier, 300 Reef Balls were placed to create an artificial reef.
The primary objective of the project is to monitor the colonization of life onto the Reef Ball reefs in the waters by the Pier on Bevan in Sidney, British Columbia, Canada
Divers record observations of the abundance of a list of species (looking for over 100 species and groups of various types of plants and animals).
SPARS aims to educate and instigate discussion with the public at large, even scientists, through multi-media presentations to various groups. SPARS educated by the development and use of displays, videos, press releases, and other materials, SPARS is able to reach out to a broad cross-section of the public with educational presentations.
Conferences, school presentations, talks to community groups, and a web site are just some of the ways the SPARS public education program is delivered.
The SPARS project was selected by Reef Ball Foundation as a project of the year.
