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The Louisiana Artificial Reef Program (ARP) was established in 1986 to create habitats for providing food, and shelter for marine life that includes coastal fish, using human-made structures. The program includes several types of artificial reefs that supports ecosystem development, recreational fishing and diving, and critical research. A secondary benefit for those close to shore is coastal protection by reducing the impact of storms, flooding, preventing loss of life, property damage, and coastal erosion.
In 1999, the Louisiana Artificial Reef Program created the world's largest artificial reef by area, referred to as Grand Isle #9, from the Freeport Sulfur Mine off Grand Isle.
As of 2021 oil companies have taken advantage of the Rigs-to-Reefs program with over 600 platforms converted and over 350 are in Louisiana.
History
In 1984 Congress passed the Louisiana Fishing Enhancement Act (LA R.S. 56:639.6 or Public Law 98-623, Title II). The law also created the National Artificial Reef Plan that allowed the establishment of a state reef-permitting system.
The Louisiana Artificial Reef Development Council (Artificial Reef Council) was also created under the Louisiana Artificial Reef Program. The members are the Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Dean of LSU College of the Coast and Environment, and the executive director of the Louisiana Sea Grant.
In 1990 the Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection and Restoration Act (CWPPRA) was signed into law by then President George H. W. Bush to fund construction of coastal wetlands restoration projects. Since 1990 there has been 210 projects authorized.
The Rigs-to-Reefs program
In response to concerns of habitat loss when a rig ceases production the state created the Rigs-to-reefs program based on criteria from the national Rigs-to-reefs program. Companies can donate decommissioned platforms to the LDWF. Companies also donate half the money saved to the Louisiana Artificial Reef Trust Fund that was created along with the ARP. For platforms farther offshore this can be a tremendous savings as opposed to tearing the rig down and bringing it to shore. The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) oversees permitting. After a state accepts a donated rig the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers issues a permit, the state accepts liability and maintenance. In 2017 there were 350 platforms converted to reefs.
List of artificial reefs
 | This list is incomplete; you can help by adding missing items. (December 2024) |
Converted oil platforms
As of 2021 oil companies have taken advantage of the Rigs-to-Reefs program with over 600 platforms converted and more than 350 in Louisiana.
- The Lena platform, one of ExxonMobil's decommissioned platforms, located about 50 miles southeast of Grand Isle, was 1,300 foot (400 m), and is the tallest structure to be converted to an artificial reef. The platform is in the Mississippi Canyon Area, Block 280, in 1,000 feet of water. It weighed 27,000 short tons (24,000 t) and when upright was 50 feet taller than the Empire State Building. The platform was also the world's first First Cable-Stabilized Platform. Decommissioning began in 2017
- Grand Isle #9: In 1999, the Louisiana Artificial Reef Program created the world's largest artificial reef by area. Created from the Freeport Sulfur Mine off Grand Isle, Louisiana the reef is made up of more than 68 structures with over 1.5 miles of bridgework. The reef is in 42–50 feet of water with 27 feet (8.2 m) of clearance.
References
- "Artificial Reef Council". wlf.louisiana.gov. Retrieved December 19, 2024.
- "About CWPPRA". cwppra.wordpress.com. Retrieved December 19, 2024.
- "Artificial Reef Program". louisianalandcan.org. Retrieved December 19, 2024.
- "Rigs-to-Reefs". congressionalsportsmen.org. Retrieved December 19, 2024.
- Magill, Keith (2020-10-08). "New artificial reef off Grand Isle sets a record". houmatoday.com. Retrieved December 19, 2024.
- "World's First Cable-Stabilized Platform Becomes Tallest Structure to be Converted to Artificial Reef in the Gulf of Mexico". bsee.gov. Retrieved December 19, 2024.
- "LA - World's largest artificial reef: world record off Grand Isle, Louisiana". coastalnewstoday.com. Retrieved December 19, 2024.