Rapid Ecological Assessment of Offshore Infrastructure using a Spatial Planning Tool: A Case Study with FishLAT in the Gulf of Mexico

Globally, offshore infrastructure projects require ecological assessments to inform decommissioning, re-use, or development strategies. This paper identifies the critical data types necessary to conduct these assessments using analytical tools, like FishLAT. Through a case study in the Gulf of Mexico, we demonstrate FishLAT’s application in evaluating over 900 artificial reef sites to prioritize 40 locations predicted to yield the greatest fisheries benefits. By forecasting ecological and stakeholder outcomes under various development scenarios, site-specific rapid assessment tools like FishLAT can enhance spatial precision in predicting environmental impacts. This approach not only complements traditional environmental assessments but also strengthens decision-making frameworks for offshore infrastructure planning worldwide.