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| Joe Platko |
In this course, we talk a lot about the environmental impact that humans have on the earth and what that exactly means for our resources. The issues of the oil industry are controversial because while so many things in our daily lives require oil to operate, drilling for oil disrupts water and wildlife, contributes to both light pollution and air pollution and can disturb entire ecosystems. What happens when an offshore oil rig can become a center point for an ecosystem?
An oil rig that is located off the coast of California is gaining notoriety not for an oil spill, but because of the abundance of oceanic life that was found to be living on the rig. The way that the rig is situated in a cold current area makes it easier for the fish and sea life in that area to sustain themselves. The growth of life here has become more productive than coral reefs and estuaries. Animals are not coming from different areas to settle at the rigs, they are animals that were already there and continued to create new life in that area.
Although it is good that life can sustain itself in this environment, it still proves to be a hot topic of debate. When Arnold Schwarzenegger was the governor of California, he signed a bill that allowed oil rigs to be partially decommissioned and turned into reefs for aquatic life. Partial decommissioning means that while the rig would still remain in the water, all of the holes or leaks will be filled in to make it safe and turned into a place for sea life to flourish, while the top 80 feet of the rigs are removed to allow ships to pass and not get caught in the rig, they can also be used for recreational diving and fishing. Environmental activist groups, however think that this is bringing too much positive attention to the oil industry and is taking away attention from the fact that oil drilling is still detrimental to our environment.
While I agree that the oil industry will cause harm to our natural resources and environment in general, I think that we might as well make the best out of what we can. I do not think that new oil rigs should be put into the water with the thought that they will eventually turn into reefs, but with the rigs that are already there, we should make the best out of them. It was said that full decommissioning would be very expensive, so if partial decommissioning is more cost effective and can provide a safe home for aquatic life, it should be done. This is a very interesting topic that has no clear cut answer. I believe that if people say that we should not convert the already out of use rigs, then they do not see the necessity to make the best out of what we have, however if people think that we should keep drilling offshore knowing that we can create reefs they are not seeing how precious our natural resources really are. Source:
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/03/08/science/marine-life-thrives-in-unlikely-place-offshore-oil-rigs.html?rref=collection%2Fsectioncollection%2Fscience&action=click&contentCollection=science®ion=rank&module=package&version=highlights&contentPlacement=1&pgtype=sectionfront&_r=0
This is such an interesting concept, especially since there are rarely any positive links between the oil industry and environmental conservation. I agree with your point that partial deconstruction of the rig Would be best in this situation. If the entire rig was removed, some of the animal and plant species who have made this rig their home would surely be harmed or even killed during the process. Thus, it would make the most sense, economically as well as conservation-wise, to leave the bottom part of the rig as it is.
ReplyDeleteThis was really cool and interesting to read. I find it fascinating that while we are partially destroying the fish's and coral's habitat, they are able to adapt and thrive on the oil rigs. I think you are right when it comes to partial decommissioning the oil rigs as long as there is not harsh side effects to animals, plants, and environment.
ReplyDeleteI liked this one! A negative turned positive it seems. I can see where the environmentalist activists make their point though. THe oil rigs and companies did not intentionally do this, it just happened. Their plan when they built these rigs was not to create a habitat, rather to drill oil. So the activists are just like "It's not that sweet, they are still hurting the environment, they kinda just got lucky so do not think this is as great as it seems." It is a great thing and I think that Daija is right in that we should use and enjoy the benefits of this reef. I think it would be neat if companies did this more often, in that they intentionally tried to get the most out of whatever product they make to make it effective and helpful to the environment!
ReplyDeleteI agree we just have to make the best of it. As well as, it is a habitat for these animals. If they were removed it would effect these animals negatively.
ReplyDeleteThese rigs can actually become great centers for reefs that are growing that can replace the corals that are presently bleaching out and being taken over by algae. It serves as a new center to house species that could have otherwise been wiped out of the area. These wrecks can serve as a safety net to protect against wiping out endangered species of corals and fish that rely on these corals.
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