A growing number of retired oil rigs have found a new purpose as human-made reefs. These hulking structures, which rise hundreds of feet from the ocean floor, provide a unique habitat for subaquatic life. The complex shape of the rig’s support creates a three-dimensional reef for sea creatures to colonize and live, and the rig’s open construction allows currents to pass through, which brings nutrients. Considering that life below these oil rigs is flourishing, it will be fascinating to see what California residents and policymakers decide to do with these platforms in the near future.
Life is flourishing on the substructures of offshore oil rigs
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