According to a newly released report from NOAA, corrosion, strong currents, hurricanes, high water temperatures, highly salty water, and even discarded fishing gear tangled in the wreck threaten its stability in the long run. Looting of the wreck is not currently a major problem but remains a concern due to diving, boating and fishing in the area. Sea life, however, is abundant within the Monitor National Marine Sanctuary, which contains the shipwreck. The ship-turned-artificial-reef supports a variety of corals and sponges, along with black seabass, oyster toadfish and great barracuda. Water quality in the sanctuary is generally good, with no evidence of any risks to human health.