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LOUISIANA ARTIFICIAL REEF PROGRAM
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[font "Arial Unicode MS"]LOUISIANA ARTIFICIAL
REEF PROGRAM[/font]

[url "http://chartmaker.ncd.noaa.gov/hsd/hsd-3.html"][#395136]Wrecks and Obstructions Searchable Database[/#395136][/url]

[url "http://www.wlf.state.la.us/apps/netgear/clientFiles/lawlf/files/Louisiana%20Artificial%20Reef%20Plan.pdf"][#395136]La. Artificial Reef Plan[/#395136][/url]

Louisiana's offshore oil and gas industry began in 1947 when the first well was drilled out of sight of land south of Terrebonne parish. Today over 4,500 offshore oil and gas platforms have been installed supplying 25% of the United States' production of natural gas and 10% of its oil. In addition to meeting the world's energy needs, these structures also form one of the world's most extensive defacto artificial reef systems. However, Federal regulations require that these structures be removed within 1 year after the lease is terminated. Disposal of obsolete offshore oil and gas structures is not only a net financial liability for private industry but can be a public loss of productive marine habitat.

The Louisiana Fishing Enhancement Act was signed into law in 1986, creating the Louisiana Artificial Reef Program. This program was designed to take advantage of fishing opportunities provided by these obsolete platforms. Since the program's inception twenty-five reef sites utilizing the jackets of 85 obsolete platforms have been created off Louisiana's coast. The use of obsolete oil and gas platforms in Louisiana has proved to be highly successful. Their large numbers, design, longevity and stability have provided a number of advantages over the use of traditional artificial reef materials. The participating companies also save money by converting the structure into a reef rather than abandoning it onshore and are required to donate a portion of the savings to the state to run the state program. One diSadvantage, however, is that their large size restricts the distance to shore where these platforms can be sited. To achieve the minimum clearance of 50 ft as required by the Coast Guard regulations, the platforms must be placed in waters in excess of 100 ft. Waters compatible with reef development are generally found between 30 and 70 miles off Louisiana's gently sloping continental shelf, making them accessible to anglers with offshore vessels. Funds generated by the program can be used to develop reefs closer to shore using alternative low profile materials.

Oil and gas development in the Gulf of Mexico region has and will continue to contribute to the Gulf's position as the nation’s most productive and popular offshore marine fishing zone.


For more information on the Louisiana Artificial Reef Program, contact Rick Kasprzak
LA Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
PO Box 98000
Baton Rouge, LA 70808
225/765-2375
Fax: 225/765-2489
Email: [url "mailto:kasprzak_ra@wlf.state.la.us"][#395136]kasprzak_ra@wlf.state.la.us[/#395136][/url]
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