TSB boosts special reef program

A recent major success has been achieved by getting the Anglo-Suisse Offshore Partners five platforms that were destroyed in the West Delta 117 block accepted by the State of Louisiana, Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF), for their Special Artificial Reef (SAR) program. Seven proposals were accepted for the program out of several dozen submitted. Acceptance represents a win-win for all concerned.

Special reefs sites are those created to take advantage of material available for reef construction outside the nine planning regions designated by the Louisiana Artificial Reef Program. The program was established by the Louisiana Fishing Enhancement Act in 1986 to enhance and maintain fish habitat in the state’s offshore waters by utilizing oil and gas platforms that are no longer useful for their original purpose. It has proven to be very successful, contributing to major improvements in the availability of some marine species such as Red Snapper.

The reefs close to shore are very popular with sport divers and fishermen. The deeper water reefs, which includes many of the SAR sites, act as marine sanctuaries, preventing trawling and offering safe areas for the young. TSB is proud to be a supporter for the artificial reef programs in the Gulf of Mexico since their inception, being responsible for more than 40 reefs to date.