Established in 1986, the Louisiana Artificial Reef Program takes advantage of obsolete oil and gas platforms which were recognized as providing habitat important to many of Louisiana’s coastal fishes [1]. Participating companies donate materials, and 1/2 of their savings into the Louisiana Artificial Reef Trust Fund.
In 1999, the Louisiana Artificial Reef Program created the World’s largest artificial reef from the Freeport sulfur mine off Grand Isle, Louisiana.
The Louisiana Artificial Reef Program Has:
- Converted over 400 obsolete platforms into permanent artificial reefs Gulf-wide
- Developed 30 inshore reefs in Louisiana state waters
- Supported 71 oil and gas companies to participate and donate
One of the (5) main objectives of the Coastal Master Plan, includes the restoration of coastal habitats. Programs such as the Louisiana Artificial Reef Program, provide fisheries habitat in the form of converted rigs, provide support to CWPPRA and other partners funding coastal restoration projects.
Source:
[1] McDonough, Mike. The Louisiana Artificial Reef Program. Available: http://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/fishing/artificial-reef-program [July 10, 2018].
CWPPRA 