Veasey and Graves Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Preserve Critical Marine Habitat in Gulf of Mexico

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Representatives Marc Veasey (Texas) and Garret Graves (Louisiana) introduced legislation to preserve marine ecosystems and protect fishing access for anglers in the Gulf of Mexico by improving longstanding artificial reefing programs.

Offshore energy infrastructure in the Gulf of Mexico serves as prominent, biodiverse habitats for fish, corals, and crustacea to aggregate. Since 2000, over 60% of the oil rigs in the Gulf of Mexico have been removed – eliminating critical reef habitat and decreasing access for recreational and commercial fishing. 

“Today, I’m proud to co-lead the Marine Fisheries Habitat Protection Act with my colleague Congressman Graves of Louisiana,” said Rep. Veasey. “Our legislation will help create a pathway for more Rigs-to-Reefs conversions and bolster the overall program that is repurposing out-of-service offshore oil and natural gas production platforms into thriving areas for aquatic wildlife.”

“Everyone who goes fishing off the coast of Louisiana knows that the best catches come when you’re close to a rig,” Rep. Graves said. “Casting aside our favorite fishing spots by thoughtlessly removing energy infrastructure threatens the health of our offshore ecosystems and reduces opportunities for folks to fish in Sportsman’s Paradise. Our bill will encourage participation in the Rigs-to-Reefs program and highlights what can be accomplished when a diverse group of stakeholders work together to accomplish shared goals.”

The legislation amends the National Fishing Enhancement Act of 1984 to require the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to conduct an assessment of the relationship between offshore infrastructure and marine ecosystems to determine whether converting to an artificial reef is appropriate. It also amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to provide flexibility within the decommissioning process to encourage greater participation in the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement’s Rigs-to-Reefs Program, while ensuring the safety of the environment and fisheries.  

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