Development and Implementation of an Artificial Reef Program for the State of Louisiana

Louisiana recently passed legislation to develop a comprehensive artificial reef plan for the state and federal waters off of its´ coastline using retired oil and gas structures. The Louisiana Artificial Reef Initiative (LARI) developed legislation in response to Congressman John Breaux´s National Fishing Enhancement Act. The Louisiana Fishing Enhancement Act sets into motion a state artificial reef program. It designates the state as the permittee of artificial reefs and sets up a research program within the state. The oil and gas industry has demonstrated support of this program through participation in LARI. Commercial and recreational fishermen of the state support this program because it would off-set the potential loss of fisheries habitat created by oil and gas structures.