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RESEARCH ARTICLE (Non peer reviewed)
Contents Vol 51 (Conference Proceedings)

Will the deep sea benefit from the addition of artificial habitat through the rigs-to-reef program?*

D. Booth A , P. Macreadie B and A. Fowler B
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A University of Technology, Sydney and SEA-SERPENT program.

B University of Technology, Sydney.

The APPEA Journal 51(2) 676-676 https://doi.org/10.1071/AJ10056
Published: 2011

Abstract

As we approach a global peak in the number of offshore oil rigs requiring de-commissioning, there is growing pressure for a rigs-to-reefs program in the deep sea whereby obsolete rigs are converted into artificial reefs. From a scientific perspective, the key question is: will the deep sea benefit from the addition of artificial reefs? Rigs have the potential to provide spawning aggregation sites, improve ecological connectivity, and facilitate conservation/rehabilitation of deep sea benthos (e.g. cold-water corals) by restricting fishing trawl access. Recent research on shallower-water rigs provides preliminary evidence that rigs can also help rebuild declining fish stocks. Direct negative impacts (e.g. physical damage in drop zone) appear minor; however, further work is needed to determine:

  1. the likelihood of undesired changes in food webs;

  2. the risk of spreading invasives; and,

  3. possible release of contaminants as rigs corrode.

Overall, a rigs-to-reefs program may be a valid option for deep sea benthic conservation.

David Booth is a professor and fish ecologist with wide experience in understanding fish responses to habitat state, including seagrass health and ambient water temperature. He has a strong international publication record in marine ecology and is part of the SEA-SERPENT deep sea research program.

Peter Macreadie is a marine ecologist and Chancellors Postdoctoral Fellow at UTS, specialising in experimental approaches to understanding how biophysical factors mediate resilience in marine habitats. Peter leads programs in Victoria and NSW that investigate the capacity of seagrasses to resist and recover from environmental disturbances. He is highly regarded for his research into fish and invertebrate responses to habitat fragmentation.

Ashley Fowler is a doctoral student focusing on the value of artificial reefs to fish production in deep water, coastal seas and tropical reefs.

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