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Trump Executive Order Converts Oil Rigs into Artificial Reefs

By Drooid · Sep 25, 2026, 4:39 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump issued an executive order titled Restoring American Saltwater Angling and Recreation to prioritize recreational fishing.
The order directs the Interior Department to convert decommissioned offshore oil rigs into permanent artificial reefs.
Marine Conservation Institute president Lance Morgan warned the rollbacks could cut protected U.S. waters from 26% to 4%.
Center for Biological Diversity attorney Kristen Monsell called the reef conversion a handout to the oil industry.

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Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump issued an executive order titled Restoring American Saltwater Angling and Recreation to prioritize recreational fishing.
The order directs the Interior Department to convert decommissioned offshore oil rigs into permanent artificial reefs.
Marine Conservation Institute president Lance Morgan warned the rollbacks could cut protected U.S. waters from 26% to 4%.
Center for Biological Diversity attorney Kristen Monsell called the reef conversion a handout to the oil industry.