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This page last updated: November 20, 2007
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Rigs-to-Reefs
Information
What is Rigs-to-Reefs and how does it relate to the mission of the Minerals Management
Service (MMS)?
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Rigs-to-Reefs is a term used for converting obsolete, nonproductive
offshore oil and gas structures to designated artificial reefs. From research and
assessment of the environmental effects of oil and gas leasing and development, the MMS
has documented a profound and pervasive connection between fish, fishing, and oil and gas
structures in the marine environment. Hence, installation and removal of petroleum
structures affects offshore fishing and has aroused much interest and concern over the
years among fishermen, scuba divers, and coastal communities. The MMS has worked with
these interest groups, coastal states, and the offshore industry to respond to those
concerns. This effort has led to reef construction opportunities presented by the
decommissioning process for offshore platforms. Under Title II of the National Fishing
Enhancement Act of 1984 (P.L. 98-623), the National Marine Fisheries Service developed and
published a National Artificial Reef Plan (NOAA Technical Memoranum NMFS OF-6, November,
1985, as amended). This law and associated planning requirements set the stage for Federal
endorsement of offshore artificial reef projects. |
In support of the National Artificial Reef Plan, and in response to our
affected stakeholders, the MMS adopted a national Rigs-to-Reefs policy that supports and
encourages the reuse of oil and gas structures for offshore artificial reef developments.
Hence, coastal states with approved, State specific, artificial reef plans can identify
offshore areas and sites suitable for artificial reef developments. Therefore, oil and gas
operators may cooperate with Gulf Coast States to recycle obsolete structures as permitted
artificial reefs as an alternative to onshore disposal. The Louisiana Department of
Wildlife and Fisheries and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department have currently approved
State artificial reef plans and administer ongoing offshore rigs-to-reefs programs. The
artificial reef coordinators from these States are prepared to assess the interest of
their State in acquiring oil or gas structures offered for reef development, work with the
structure operator or their agent in securing the required U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
permit, negotiate an agreement for a structure donation, and accept title and
responsibility for the structure as a permanent State reef. Interested parties can contact
the MMS, a participating state, or other links identified below for additional
information. |
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