Alternative Donation Options with the Texas Artificial Reef Program
Authors: Culbertson Jan C. 
Published: October 2008

In the Gulf of Mexico, the distinction between natural and artificial resources has become obscure. Over one quarter of the hard substrate existing offshore has been created by the steel legs of nearly 4,000 petroleum platforms. The encrusting organisms and reef fish communities established on and below these jackets have literally had their ranges extended, their numbers increased, their diversity preserved. There can be no doubt as to the habitat limitations of these species in the open ocean, dependent as they are on something solid rising out of the endless expanses of soft sediments. Man's search for oil and gas has had a positive affect on the reef fish community in the Gulf of Mexico. The Texas Artificial Reef Program established by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department in 1990, has been actively acquiring offshore platforms for use as artificial reefs in the Gulf of Mexico. The donation of an obsolete platform prevents the loss of the structure's valuable benthic reef habitat and associated recreational opportunities. A donation of a platform to the Artificial Reef Program also results in considerable savings compared to standard removal options for the donor. Since the Program was created, 39 rigs donated by 20 different petroleum companies have been converted into artificial reefs, which enhance the reef fish resources in addition to providing exciting new fishing and divingopportunities for Texas. The Texas Artificial Reef Program also offers some interesting new opportunities to the petroleum industry. Eleven reef sites are already established within a 2500 square mile area designated as a General Permit for the High Island Leasing (OCS) Area. The Corps of Engineers (COE) has permitted this entire area so that artificial reefs may be created at least five nautical miles apart, two nautical miles from any safety fairways, with at least 85-ft of clearance. Specific hard bottom communities (such as the Flower Garden Marine Sanctuary East and West Bank) are excluded from TPWD's General Permit and require an individual permit from the COE before a platform can be accepted as an artificial reef.

The Department has been working closely with the U.S. Department of the Interior's Minerals Management Service (MMS) to allow the use of alternative removal methods, where the structure is being mechanically removed and made into an artificial reef. Texas received the donation of six jackets mechanically removed 3-ft below the mudline, and transported intact to an appropriate reef site by Mobil Oil Company to the Texas Artificial Reef Program. Texas also received the donation of four jackets where the upper 85-ft of these jackets was partially removed by mechanical means, and placed on the bottom next to the lower portion of the jacket to order to create a higher profile artificial reef in deep water. This type of donation allows for the maximum biological profile in the water column within current Coast Guard regulations and allows the creation of artificial reefs without the use of explosives, which are responsible for loss of reef fish in the open water column and the benthic habitat attached to the structure.