Abandoned Oil Rigs Provide Habitats for Coral Reefs and Endangered Species

There are more than 12,000 offshore oil rigs around the world. Once the wells beneath those hulking steel structures run dry the rig becomes a pricey problem. Removing one completely can cost tens of millions of dollars and may stir up all kinds of contaminants that have settled on the ocean floor. In many cases, a much better option for marine life is to just leave the rig in place and let it become an artificial reef. Emily Hazelwood is the co-founder of a nonprofit called Blue Latitudes, which is working to encourage this rig-to-reef concept. (Segment produced by Olivia Young)