Renowned Scientists and Experts From Federal and State Agencies to Discuss the Fate of California’s Offshore Oil Rigs

Renowned scientists and experts from Federal and State Agencies will discuss the afterlives of decommissioned oil rigs off the coast of California. The forum – which will take place at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach January 12 to 14, 2020 — will discuss sustainable options for the decommissioned oil rigs and the fate of the offshore rigs in Southern California.

“Oil platforms off California’s coast date back more than 60 years and their remaining productive lifespans are coming to an end,” says Aquarium President and CEO Dr. Jerry Schubel. “Over the next couple of decades, they will be decommissioned and decisions must be made as to what to do with them. Their fate is of particular importance to ocean ecosystems because these structures are colonized by barnacles, fish, mussels and other marine life, forming artificial reefs.”

The forum participants include representatives from federal and state agencies who are responsible for the decommissioning process, industry experts and academic scientists. The event begins January 12 at 7:00 p.m. with a reception and a keynote address by three ocean experts: Dr. Sylvia Earle, oceanographer, National Geographic Society explorer in residence, and president and founder of ocean conservation organization Mission Blue; Betty Yee, California State Controller and commissioner with the State Lands Commission; and Mark Gold, executive director of the Ocean Protection Council and deputy secretary for Ocean and Coastal Policy for the California Natural Resources Agency.

The forum is open to the public, allowing local residents to learn about those platforms, what the decommissioning options are and how the decisions will be made. A student poster exhibit will also be on display. The cost to attend the sessions on January 13 and 14 is $125 for the public and $75 for students. Discounted prices of $85 for the public and $50 for students are available for those who register before December 18. To see the full agenda, visit aquariumofpacific.org/events.