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Mineral Resources Management Division - Rigs to Reefs Workshop

Mark Helvey

Mr. Helvey is the Essential Fish Habitat Coordinator with the National Marine Fishery Services located in Santa Rosa, California.

~Submitted by Mr. Helvey ~

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is a part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) within the Department of Commerce.  NMFS administers programs supporting the conservation and management of living marine resources.  With regard to the proposed concept of "rigs to reefs" in southern California, due to the dearth of scientific data, the Southwest Region of NMFS does not hold a position, although it is more inclined to support original agreements between industry and the public regarding platform removal once operations become unproductive.  However, NMFS may take a different view should future scientific studies document conclusively that platforms do provide exceptional ecological benefits to the marine environment.  At the current time, NMFS does not believe such information exists.