Oil and gas production structures as artificial reefs

Abstract

From the Abstract: “No reports of oil taint or elevated levels of heavy metals in pelagic fish caught around oil rig jackets (support structures) in the North Sea have been published. The fish seem to grow faster and are in better condition than fish caught at reference sites.

This paper gives a brief introduction to the use of components from oil and gas platforms to form one or several artificial reefs in the North Sea. These could benefit both the fishing industry, by creating new and interesting opportunities, and the environment, creating safe havens for juveniles. More research is required to confirm the hypothesis.”