How the Decommissioning of Offshore Oil Rigs Presents Significant Environmental Consequences for Marine Ecosystems and Global Biodiversity

Author

John NowakFollow

Department or Program

Environmental Studies

Abstract

This study focuses on the debate of why decommissioning offshore oil rigs is harmful to the marine environment. In this study I give an introduction to the history and background of offshore drilling along with the installation process. Over the period of years oil rigs have grown in both size and architecture. Many of the rigs in today's waters can be found in water depths of over 5,000 ft. These structures are important to the local marine wildlife. Studies have shown that there has been an increase in biodiversity when oil rigs are implemented as well as a large increase when oil rigs are removed from the marine environment. This study wants to educate the audience about the idea that once drilling comes to a halt for oil companies, the oil rigs themselves can be used for alternative purposes.

Level of Access

Restricted: Campus/Bates Community Only Access

First Advisor

Tyler Harper

Date of Graduation

5-2023

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts

Recommended Citation

Nowak, John, "How the Decommissioning of Offshore Oil Rigs Presents Significant Environmental Consequences for Marine Ecosystems and Global Biodiversity" (2023). Standard Theses. 334.
https://scarab.bates.edu/envr_studies_theses/334

Number of Pages

25

Components of Thesis

1 pdf file, 1 mp3 file.