by Sara Hamann | Oct 8, 2025 | news
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.
Final GORI Report to GSMFC Offshore Aquaculture May 17 2023
by Sara Hamann | Oct 8, 2025 | news
MMEERSET Phase One: Developing Platform-Based Offshore Aquaculture in the Gulf of Mexico
The Gulf Offshore Research Institute (GORI), in collaboration with Louisiana State University, LUMCON, NOAA, and Innovasea Systems Inc., conducted a groundbreaking feasibility study on repurposing retired oil and gas platforms for sustainable offshore aquaculture in the Gulf of Mexico.
The project evaluated two former platform sites near North Padre Island, Texas—known as Station Padre—to determine economic viability, spatial suitability, and environmental conditions for establishing multi-use aquaculture operations. Results showed that cobia production could be cost-competitive under realistic scenarios, while red drum presented greater challenges. Environmental data collected confirmed that the site experiences high-energy open-ocean conditions suitable for advanced submersible aquaculture systems.
This study represents a critical first step toward integrating seafood production, renewable energy, and ocean conservation within existing offshore infrastructure—paving the way for sustainable blue economy growth in the Gulf region.
GORI’s MMEERSET Phase One project explores how Gulf oil and gas platforms can support sustainable offshore aquaculture. Focusing on Station Padre, the study found strong economic potential for cobia culture and identified 77% of the area as suitable for future development.
GORI Final Report to GSMFC – January 30, 2021
