Whale sharks, the largest fish in the world, have been found to rely on oil and gas rigs as pit stops during their migrations across the oceans. These human-made structures act as artificial reefs, attracting marine life, including the plankton that whale sharks feed on.
Whale sharks, the largest fish in the world, have been found to use oil and gas rigs as pit stops during their migrations across the oceans.
Oil and gas platforms are complex structures used for extracting oil and natural gas from beneath the ocean floor.
These platforms can be fixed or floating, depending on water depth and geology.
They typically consist of drilling rigs, processing facilities, and storage tanks.
According to the International Association of Drilling Contractors, over 70% of the world's oil and gas production comes from offshore platforms.
The Gulf of Mexico, North Sea, and Persian Gulf are among the most significant regions for offshore energy production.
These human-made structures act as artificial reefs, attracting marine life, including the plankton that whale sharks feed on.
A single whale shark can consume up to 20 kilograms of plankton each day, making these structures a crucial source of food for the endangered species. Researchers have tracked the movements of 78 whale sharks over 14 years and found that oil and gas rigs play a significant role in their migration routes.
According to marine ecologist Ben D’Antonio, ‘Oil and gas platforms influence the movements of these gentle giants.‘ He compares the use of oil rigs by whale sharks to stopping at a truck stop on a highway during a road trip. ‘On a family vacation, we often pull into truck stops to fuel up and grab a quick bite before heading to our final destination, Ben D’Antonio says. ‘Whale sharks seem to be using seafloor features in a similar way.’
The reliance of whale sharks on oil rigs raises concerns about their safety.
The structures can put the giant filter feeders at risk of being hit by ships or exposed to chemical pollution from oil spills or discharges. It’s difficult to determine exactly how many are killed by vessels, as their bodies often sink without a trace.
An oil rig is a structure built on land or in the ocean to extract oil from beneath the Earth's surface.
It consists of a derrick, drilling equipment, and machinery that extracts crude oil from reservoirs.
Natural gas rigs are similar but focus on extracting methane and other gases.
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), there were over 10,000 active oil and natural gas platforms worldwide in 2020.
The majority are located in the Gulf of Mexico and the North Sea.
The study highlights the importance of considering the impact of human-made structures on marine life when managing marine protected areas and decommissioning old platforms. As renewable energy developments, such as offshore wind turbines, increase in number, this issue is likely to become more pressing. The researchers hope that their findings will inform decision-making and promote awareness about the potential consequences for marine ecosystems.
Marine ecosystems cover over 70% of the Earth's surface, supporting a vast array of plant and animal life.
These ecosystems provide numerous benefits, including shoreline protection, nutrient cycling, and oxygen production through photosynthesis.
According to the United Nations, marine biodiversity is essential for food security, with over 15% of global fish stocks being caught in protected areas.
Additionally, coral reefs alone support an estimated 25% of all marine species.
- sciencenews.org | Migrating whale sharks make pit stops at oil and gas rigs
