When you think of offshore oil platforms, you probably imagine massive steel structures pumping petroleum from deep beneath the ocean floor. But did you know that these platforms also serve as artificial reefs, supporting vibrant marine life?
The Birth of Rigs to Reefs
In 1979, Exxon experimented with relocating an obsolete offshore structure to the ocean floor, marking the beginning of what would become the Rigs to Reefs program. Recognizing the ecological benefits, the U.S. government formalized the initiative in the mid-1980s, turning retired oil platforms into vital artificial reef habitats.
Today, Rigs to Reefs is the largest artificial habitat program in the world, transforming decommissioned platforms into thriving marine ecosystems. Instead of dismantling and removing these massive structures, oil companies now have the option to donate them to coastal states, where they become permanent homes for marine species.
How It Works
Decommissioned rigs can be converted into reefs through three main methods:
Tow-and-Place – Platforms are transported to a designated reef site and secured to the ocean floor.
Topple-in-Place – The upper portion of the rig is cut and tipped over to create an artificial reef at the same location.
Partial Removal – Some parts of the structure are taken off, leaving the base as a habitat for marine life.
These methods preserve the hard surfaces essential for coral and other marine organisms, creating underwater environments teeming with fish, invertebrates, and even sea turtles.
The Gulf of Mexico’s Underwater Cities
The Gulf of Mexico is home to more than 4,500 petroleum platforms, many of which have contributed to the Rigs to Reefs program. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), the Gulf remains a critical hub for energy production, accounting for 15% of total U.S. crude oil production in 2023.
But beyond energy, these platforms have a second life—supporting marine biodiversity. A single four-pile platformprovides nearly three acres of living and feeding habitat for thousands of species. Studies have shown that fish densities around these structures can be 20 to 50 times higher than in open water.
A Win-Win for Industry and the Environment
The National Fishing Enhancement Act of 1984 paved the way for increased artificial reef development. Oil companies benefit by reducing the high costs of full platform removal, while states gain new fisheries, tourism attractions, and marine conservation areas.
Today, about 75% of Louisiana’s recreational fishing trips visit former offshore platforms. These rigs attract prized game fish like snapper, grouper, and amberjack, making them hotspots for sport fishing.
Rigs as Critical Fish Nurseries
Beyond the Gulf, California's offshore oil platforms are helping struggling fish populations. Scientists at the University of California, Santa Barbara, found that these structures serve as vital nurseries for Bocaccio rockfish, a species once classified as overfished. In fact, 20% of all young Bocaccio on the West Coast are found around just eight oil platforms in the Santa Barbara Channel—proving the critical role of these artificial reefs in marine conservation.
Looking Ahead
The Rigs to Reefs program continues to evolve, proving that the petroleum industry and marine conservation can work hand in hand. While offshore drilling comes with challenges, repurposing these structures for marine life is a success story of innovation, sustainability, and cooperation between industry and environmentalists.
Whether supporting the fishing industry or reviving endangered species, these submerged oil rigs are more than just remnants of past energy production—they are the foundations of thriving underwater ecosystems.
Want to learn more? Read more of our Fun Facts About U.S. Petroleum Industry.