Understanding the Recreational Uses of OCS Infrastructure

This study was designed to help better understand the overall magnitude, geographic extents, and site-specific determinants (i.e., platform type, method of decommissioning, water depth) of recreational uses of offshore oil and gas platforms in the Western and Central Gulf of America planning areas. The three basic recreational user groups considered were recreational anglers, divers, and other (i.e., cruising, sightseeing, marine wildlife/pelagic bird tours, sea kayaking, and paddleboarding). Most of the information uncovered during this effort was related to recreational fishing and, to a lesser extent, diving. Findings suggest that recreational fishing and diving regularly occur in the vicinity of offshore oil and gas platforms (both extant and decommissioned) in both planning areas. Platforms closer to shore are likely to be used more because they are more accessible, especially for individual users. The nature of the platform structure (e.g., active, standing decommissioned, toppled in place, or reefed) and characteristics of its location (e.g., water depth, typical current patterns) also greatly influence desirability for recreation. Site-specific determinants include distance from port; presence of reefed structures; presence of targeted species; water depths; history of fishing success at platform; dive site popularity; intensity of recreational use; type of platform; weather conditions; water temperature; water quality; and localized currents. The ideal platform for a dive trip is different from the ideal platform for fishing, but both types of recreation benefit from vertical habitat retained throughout the water column and placement in areas that are accessible from shore, optimal from an ecological perspective, and with features that facilitate recreational use (e.g., ease of mooring, horizontal orientation allowing divers to spread out).

USD: $279,320

2020-12-27 → 2023-06-27