Rigs to Reefs: a new life for offshore oil drilling structures

As the oil drilling platforms off the coast of California age and stop producing oil, the oil companies are faced with the very expensive task of pulling them out of the Pacific Ocean. This is a costly problem for the oil industry, and one of the many problems oil companies create at risk to the environment.

Underwater many of the oil rigs are abundant with sea life, which has some environmental experts are advocating leaving the offshore oil rigs in place to serve as artificial reefs and support struggling marine animals and turn a blighted structure into something more ecologically productive.

Quartz news video takes you under the sea to see the unexpected cohabitation of ocean life with oil rigs.

[evandotterer]

“More productive than coral reefs” I personally believe humans can create better environments for sea life through the creation of artificial structures. It’s comparable to building a oasis in a desert. It provides life to the surrounding area.

[dropmelon]

I wasn't aware Malaysia is turning oil rigs into coral reefs.

[ThunfischXXx]

No offense, what if all those scientist are paid by oil companies?

[colt]

That would be a nice place to put a hotel or resort (above and underwater)...where u can dive to see the artificial coral reef.

[zombiedalekweck]

I mean there is now good points, shipwrecks serve as very good artificial reefs, so oil rigs can do much of the same but they should be perfectly cleaned out beforehand and once they get to a certain state it can be dropped to the ocean so the coral can spread off it and it can be later removed

[eroorefulufoo]

"it provides a potentially huge financial benefit to oil companies" as if they don't already have that

i think it's a cool idea, but don't come at me about how oil needs financial benefits

[hogatiwash]

But metal deteriorates over time, so wouldn't the structure eventually crumble, killing the marine life there?

[RudieObias]

The moment humanity is wiped out, the Earth will be restored to its former glory.

[ahmadzohri]

must be cut deep enough to allow for safe ships navigation

[ltrinhmuseum]

Incredible, oil companies are incentives to help these scientists tell their story as they save hundreds of millions of dollars.

[Apodeipnon]

for.. profit.. consultancy.. How about the companies are forced to invest at least half of the saved money in renewable energy projects.