Brief Communication | Published:

Coral growing on North Sea oil rigs

Nature volume 402, page 601 (09 December 1999) | Download Citation

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Abstract

This summer the coral Lophelia pertusa was found growing on oil platforms in the North Sea and on the Brent Spar oil-storage buoy during its decommissioning. The findings indicate that Lophelia has a wider distribution and a more rapid rate of growth than previously believed. The discovery also has implications for the debate over oil exploration in the Atlantic Ocean and the perceived benefits of onshore dismantling of deep-water platforms.

These installations are home to thriving colonies of an endangered cold-water coral.

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Author information

Affiliations

  1. Cordah Environmental Management Consultants, Kettock Lodge, Aberdeen Science and Technology Park, Aberdeen AB22 8GU, UK

    • Niall Bell
    •  & Jan Smith

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Correspondence to Niall Bell.

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DOI

https://doi.org/10.1038/45127

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