Gulf of Mexico Oil Rig

The Gulf of Mexico Oil Rig exhibit is one of the most unique in any American aquarium — a recreation of the underwater ecosystem that forms around offshore oil and gas platforms in the Gulf. More than 3,000 platforms have created some of the most productive artificial reefs in the world, supporting dense communities of fish, invertebrates, and corals.

When platforms are decommissioned, many are converted to permanent artificial reefs through the Rigs-to-Reefs program. The exhibit explores the complex relationship between industry and marine ecology in the Gulf of Mexico — a topic of particular relevance to Louisiana's coastal communities.