COUNCIL NEWS

Artifical Reef Survey Results

November 26, 2012--In September 2012, the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council's Artifical Reef Working Group conducted a survey to find out how people feel about oil and gas platforms as artificial reefs.

Platform HI-A-389-A located inside sanctuary boundaries at
East Flower Garden Bank. Photo: FGBNMS/Drinnen

The impetus for this survey was the impending decommisioning of platform High Island A-389-A, which is located inside the sanctuary boundary at East Flower Garden Bank, approximately one mile from the reef cap. This platform was installed in 1981, many years before the sanctuary was designated.

While the results of the survey may not influence the outcome of what is decided for the removal or reefing of this particular structure (HIA389A), they may assist the advisory council in making future recommendations about artificial reefs within sanctuary boundaries.

Chubs swimming under platform HI-A-389-A in the sanctuary. Photo: FGBNMS/Schmahl

Oil and gas production platforms are popular diving and fishing sites in the Gulf of Mexico. The hard surfaces of the support structures provide places for organisms to attach and form artificial reefs. They also serve as focal points for pelagic fish, sharks, and sea turtles.

The results of the survey have now been tabulated and summarized.

Download Survey Results (453kb pdf)

If you have any questions or further comments about these survey results, please contact Jesse Cancelmo, SAC Recreational Diving seat, using the information below.

Jesse Cancelmo
1013 Barkdull St
Houston, TX 77006

cancelmophoto@gmail.com

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