John Hoffman
CEO, Black Elk Energy

Message from John Hoffman, President & CEO of Black Elk Energy

As a diver, fisherman and energy executive I maintain a unique perspective of many facets of our Gulf of Mexico. A wonderful ecosystem of vibrant, thriving, living organisms has brought me to the question:

"Should we really destroy wonderful ecosystems because of regulations that were written before regulators could conceive of the life that would develop under the oil & gas platforms?"

Learn more about this movement from John Hoffman's article "Save the Blue".  Download the PDF here.

Other Online Resources:

Islands of Life - A Teachers Companion

Developed by the former MMS as a companion guide for teachers wanting to introduce their students to the wide ranging marine life blossoming and thriving around oil and gas platforms within the Gulf of Mexico.

Towers of Life

A website developed by Gulf Productions showcasing remarkable underwater photography of offshore oil and gas platforms in the Gulf of Mexico. Gulf Productions has been working to provide evidence of the massive ecosystems created and maintained by the 4,000 offshore platforms in the Gulf of Mexico. Towers of Life offers many resources pivotal to understanding the extraordinary platform ecosystems.

BOEM Rigs-to-Reefs Website

Refers to the conversion of obsolete, nonproductive offshore oil and gas structures to artificial reefs. After conducting expansive research and assessment of the environmental effects of oil and gas development, the BOEM (formerly MMS) has documented a somewhat symbiotic relationship between marine life and oil and gas structures. As a result of these findings, the BOEM has adopted a national Rigs-to-Reefs policy that supports and encourages the reuse of oil and gas structures for offshore artificial reef developments.

The Living Gulf: A Place to Treasure - A Guide to Oil and Gas Production

Developed by the Offshore Operators Committee which represents over 115 independent operators and service providers within the United States Oil and Gas Industry. This documentation details how oil and gas operators and service providers do their part to protect the environment, and the flourishing marine life, within the Gulf of Mexico.

Pros and Cons of Artificial Reefs

Produced by National Geographic for the Expeditions Program which provides resources for teachers hoping to introduce their students to fascinating aspects of our world. In this lesson plan, students are asked to consider the impact of artificial reefs upon marine ecosystems and are guided through some of the positive and negative impacts of these reef systems.

The REEF Environmental Education Foundation

An organization that seeks to conserve marine ecosystems by enlisting the support of marine enthusiasts to actively protect our ocean environment. Through travel tours, photographs, videos, scientific documentation and other educational resources, REEF hopes to motivate others to making positive steps toward protecting and maintaining our marine ecosystems for this generation and many generations to come.

Bridge Sea Grant Ocean Science Education Center

Developed in conjunction with National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [NOAA] and the National Sea Grant. This site offers teachers and professors countless resources to engage and inspire their marine biology students and faculties to innovative practices. The National Sea Grant College Program engages this network of the nation's top universities in conducting scientific research, education, training, and extension projects designed to foster science-based decisions about the use and conservation of our aquatic resources.

National Marine Educators Association

Developed with the mission to connect marine professionals and marine enthusiasts in the pursuit of aquatic environment protection. NMEA produces a quarterly magazine and newsletters on innovative practices, emerging information and the like to their many members regionally and nationally. In addition to resources and meeting groups, NMEA offers scholarships and financial assistance to students looking to further their marine education and allow their love of marine life to become a career.