Dilemma of artificial Islands in the decommissioning of offshore gas and oil fields

This study was conducted to evaluate various scenarios for decommissioning artificial islands in offshore oil and gas fields with the aim of minimizing their impact on marine biocoenoses. The condition of hydrobionts before and after island construction was analyzed, dismantling methods were investigated, and their environmental consequences were evaluated. Various decommissioning scenarios for artificial islands equipped to support offshore oil and gas fields were also considered, such as complete or partial dismantling and a “zero” intervention strategy. Analysis has shown that complete dismantling leads to a significant negative impact on marine biocoenoses, including the loss of habitats for aquatic and coastal flora and fauna. Partial dismantling also causes a decrease in biodiversity and temporary changes in marine ecosystems. The research indicates the need for a comprehensive ecological approach when decommissioning artificial islands, ensuring the best conditions for the preservation of marine biocoenoses and ecosystem stability. The research results also indicated that artificial islands, despite their anthropogenic origins, contribute to the development of diverse biological communities. The research provides scientifically based recommendations for minimizing environmental damage during the decommissioning of artificial islands, thus contributing to the preservation of marine ecosystems and biodiversity.