The MX-1 oil platform is in disuse, for which the State has ordered its removal in February; however, specialists warn that this space is home to marine life of great importance for tourism and science.
In piurafor more than 30 years, the MX-1 oil platform has been in disuse, for which the State has ordered its removal in February 2023. However, nature and time have turned this space into an artificial reef which is home to abundant marine life, becoming a key point for the tourist and scientific sector in Peru.
Faced with this, citizens, scientists and biologists have started a campaign on the Change.org platform, in which they request a modification in the “Plan to abandon the MX-1 oil platform”: they only ask for the removal of the upper part and that the lower one be left intact due to the artificial reef that has formed in it.
“This request has no legal precedent in our country, but we trust that the competent authorities will understand the importance of the permanence of this structure at sea and the need to find or create new ways to protect it,” commented specialized journalist Denisse Sotomayor.
According to a study by marine biologist Yuri Hooker, 26 species of fish and 56 species of invertebrate animals have been identified. Similarly, divers, scientists, fishermen, and tour operators have reported sightings of whale sharks, manta rays, turtles, even killer whales, and a hammerhead shark around MX-1.
Sotomayor maintained that the sea lions rest in the structures that protrude from the surface; and that, in the heights, we can find migratory birds such as the blue-footed booby, frigates and pelicans.
They will create a work table
In an extraordinary meeting with representatives of the Ministry of the Environment (Minam), as well as Congressman Edward Málaga, the more than 8,000 signatures collected on the internet for the conservation of the reef in Los Órganos, Piura, were delivered.
According to the spokesmen, It was agreed to create a working group to address the problem in the short and long term, as well as the development of a proposal for a bill by Congressman Málagaso that abandoned platforms are promoted as research sites and priority is given to including these reefs as “protected places”.
Source: Larepublica
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