Here's just a small sampling of our research and projects.
California, Rigs to Reefs
The Blue Latitudes Foundation has conducted several expeditions to dive the offshore oil and gas platforms off the coast of California. These active platforms are home to thriving reef ecosystems and have been studied for over a decade by major universities throughout the state. In fact, California’s platforms “are among the most productive marine fish habitats globally,” according to a study published by the National Academy of Sciences in 2014. Learn more here.
California Fisheries Assessment
The Blue Latitudes Foundation is currently conducting a fisheries analysis to assess how California’s commercial and recreational fisherman utilize the fisheries resources associated with offshore oil and gas platforms. With a data grant from National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration and open-source data using Global Fishing Watch technology, we are evaluating commercial fisheries activity in the area surrounding California’s 27 offshore platforms to better understand how this important stakeholder could be impacted by platform decommissioning. In collaboration with the Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) of California, we are conducting a state-wide survey of recreational anglers to better understand how these anglers utilize the fisheries resources associated with California’s offshore platforms.
ROV Community Science Assessment
The Blue Latitudes Foundation is currently utilizing the DeepTrekker DTG3 remotely operated vehicle (ROV) as a tool to communicate the value of a healthy ocean to our communities through outreach and educational events. We also use the ROV to survey and explore depths beyond the limitations of recreational divers. Ultimately, this research helps us to better understand the marine environments that thrive in California, on both natural and artificial reefs.
FishLAT
ABOUT
FishLAT (Fisheries Location Assessment Technology) is a GIS-based tool to predict how the removal, addition, or conversion of an offshore energy structure could impact fisheries.
WHY IT MATTERS
Offshore energy development has led to the installation of thousands of oil and gas platforms throughout the world’s oceans. Over time, many of these structures have developed into thriving reef ecosystems that provide critical habitat for commercially and recreationally valuable species, support jobs, and contribute to the global fishing industry.
HOW IT WORKS
FishLAT’s web-based platform is supported by a suite of predictive models that quantify how offshore energy structures impact fisheries. Learn more on FishLAT.com.