Mechanisms of outer continental shelf (OCS) oil and gas platforms as artificial reefs in the Gulf of Mexico

Abstract

From the Abstract: “A study of the fish and biofouling communities at two artificial reef sites was conducted in the Gulf of Mexico. South Timbalier Block 128 Platform A (ST 128-A) had been detonated and toppled in place nine months previously. SouthTimbalier Block 86 Platform A (ST 86-A) had been blown over during a hurricane four years previously. The predominance of immature fish and the paucity of adults of those same species on ST 128-A indicate that this artificial reef has acted as a recruitment site for reef-dependent species. Observations on ST 86-A indicate that the majority of structure-related fish species were full-grown adults. Finfish surveillance, observation of invertebrates, and the presence of two scleratinan coral species at ST 86-A, and not at ST 128-A, suggest that the biotic communities may be more diverse and extensive at ST 86-A. These difference could be due to the manner by which each structure was toppled and/or possibly due to the length of time each has remained undisturbed.”