Healthy coral reefs support a variety of sea life. But as pollution damages and endangers these reefs, the species that rely on them to flourish are also in peril. Scientists looking for ways to protect reef fish off the coast of Florida decide to sink a decommissioned aircraft carrier in hopes of creating an artificial reef. First, the USS Oriskany, also known as “The Mighty O,” must be cleaned of all traces of oil and fuel. “Cables and wires are severed, the interior gutted, toxic paint scrubbed away.” Then tug boats pull it out to sea, explosives are wired into place, and the countdown begins: “5 4 3 2 1 KABOOM!” It takes 37 minutes for the ship to disappear, descending to the ocean floor, where it becomes host to life and haven for creatures of the sea. “Carried by the current, sea squirt, mollusk, and octocoral larvae land on the Mighty O. … Eagle rays glide through steel caverns. Urchins parade across the former flight deck. … The Mighty O serves on, solid and stationary, transformed into the GREAT CARRIER REEF.” More about reefs, this fascinating and ingenious project involving more than 150 people, and the USS Oriskany is included in the end matter. (Ages 7-10)