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Use of retired oil and gas platforms for fisheries in the Gulf of Mexico

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Abstract

Petroleum resources are declining on the continental shelf and will, eventually, result in the loss of ~ 30,000 jobs in related industries. Retired oil and gas platforms could be redeployed to culture fish and employ citizens in coastal areas. The Energy Policy Act 2005 Section 388 of Public Law [PL] 109-58 30 CFR 285.1000 Subpart J encourages the use of the retired structures for alternate uses. At present, there are no fishermen currently taking advantage of this legislation. We suggest amending existing laws to improve the likelihood that retired platforms are used to culture fish and invertebrates. In the future, the abandoned oil and gas infrastructure could also be used to recover stranded petroleum and reserves located in deeper horizons.

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Acknowledgements

We would like to thank President George W. Bush for drafting the legislation that authorized the alternate uses of retired offshore platforms. Thanks to the folks that helped with research, diving, and topside support: T. Armstrong, A. Atchinson, D. Berard, C. Broussard, M. Boatright, T. Empy, T. Goreau, R. Meek, D. Larson, L. Logan, and M. Love.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. EcoRigs Non-Profit Organization, 12701 River Rd, New Orleans, LA, 70131, USA

    Stephan R. Kolian, Paul W. Sammarco & Scott A. Porter

  2. Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium (LUMCON), 8124 Highway 56, Chauvin, LA, 70344, USA

    Paul W. Sammarco

  3. Ecologic Environmental, Inc, P. O. Box 886, Houma, LA, 70361-0886, USA

    Scott A. Porter

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  1. Stephan R. Kolian
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Correspondence to Stephan R. Kolian.

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There were no funding agencies, institutions, or other interest groups. The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.

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Kolian, S.R., Sammarco, P.W. & Porter, S.A. Use of retired oil and gas platforms for fisheries in the Gulf of Mexico. Environ Syst Decis 38, 501–507 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10669-018-9685-6

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