How do they decide?

[easyrider003]

When an artificial reef is sunk, how do they decide exactly the coordinates to sink it at? and why do they choose that spot

[wgt]

Numerous factors may be considered in determining coordinates for intentional sinkings. Just a few are as follows:

1. Out of the shipping lanes.
2. Deeper water to increase pelagic animal traffic and decrease vulnerability to storms vs shallower water to increase accessibility, safety, etc.
3. Away from slopes to preclude slipping.
4. Avoiding dropping it on sensitive marine communities (e.g., corals).
5. Selecting sites not presently home to large aggregations of organisms (i.e., to create new communities rather than simply putting up a new apartment complex for the existing inhabitants).
6. Special wishes of the donors.
7. Hunches, whim, etc.