Advancing the Viability of Oil Rig–Associated Aquaculture in the Gulf of Mexico
In partnership with the Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission, Innovasea Systems, NOAA, and the University of Miami, the Gulf Offshore Research Institute (GORI) conducted an in-depth study to advance offshore aquaculture on decommissioned oil platforms.
Building on earlier feasibility work at Station Padre, this 2023 report presents new research on species selection, engineering design, environmental modeling, and economic potential for platform-assisted aquaculture. Using the Aquaculture Performance Index (APIX), the study identified Red Drum and Florida Pompano as the most viable species for offshore production.
Modeling showed that the concept—integrating fish, seaweed, and shellfish through an Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) system—can be both environmentally sustainable and economically competitive. A financial analysis projected positive returns within 4–7 years under scalable operations, while deposition modeling confirmed minimal ecological impact.
The report concludes that repurposing retired oil and gas platforms could provide a transformative pathway for expanding U.S. seafood production, reducing imports, and supporting a sustainable blue economy in the Gulf of Mexico.