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with wells. Once the MDA is signed by both parties, the operator may move forward with removal. Removal and placement: The op- erator is responsible for all work and associated costs with reefi ng the struc- ture. During the reefi ng process a rep- resentative of the Artifi cial Reef Pro- gram may be present as an observer. Final Survey: Once the structure has been placed on the bottom, a cer- tifi ed survey plat must be provided to the reefi ng program. The surveys consist of an overall chart of the site including coordinates of the structure and relative locations of other struc- tures within the reef site, a profi le view of the structure with depths indicated, and a multi-beam sonar image of the structure in as-reefed position. After Care: Once the structure is reefed as specifi ed in the MDA and the donation has been received, the state reefi ng program assumes liability and is responsible for maintaining any required marker buoys, notifying the NOAA charting division of the reef- ing, and completing biological moni- toring on the reef sites. Reasons to Reef those Rigs The Gulf coast is fortunate in that artifi cial reef programs are strongly supported by industry, recreational users and the scientifi c community. Confl icts of interest are addressed early in the process, and are usually related to placement of the structures. Although technology is moving past the age of fi xed platforms, by working together, operators, reefi ng programs and the public all benefi t from keep- ing many of the current structures in the water to maintain the habitat that has formed around these rigs. Chris Ledford is the Artifi cial Reef Program Specialist and Diving Safety Offi cer for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Artifi cial Reef Program. He holds a Master’s Degree in Biology from Texas A&M University at Corpus Christi, and is an avid underwater photographer. www.marinelink.com MN JAN14 Layout 32-49.indd 43 12/20/2013 10:18:19 AM
