Rigs to reefs: fuel for fisheries enhancement through cooperation.

Abstract

From the Abstract: “There are in excess of 4,500 offshore oil and gas structures in the USA. More than 95% of these structures are located in the Gulf of Mexico off the coasts of Louisiana and Texas. The cumulative coast of onshore disposal of these petroleum structures is estimated to exceed $1 billion by the year 2000 and $7 billion by the year 2020. Disposal of obsolete offshore oil and gas structures not only is a net financial liability for private industry, but can also be a public loss of productive marine habitat. Changes in attitudes, policies, and visions, along with aggressive leadership by Gulf Coast states, are leading to the conversion of nonproductive petroleum structures into productive implements of marine research, development, management, and conservation.”