On the biological connectivity of oil and gas platforms in the North Sea

► North Sea oil & gas platforms may be biologically connected, forming an artificial reef. ► Some 60% of platforms in the southern UK Sector are directly connected by tidal flow. ► Only about 23% of platforms in the UK northern Sector are directly tidally connected. ► Mean flows connect platforms in 'strings' sharing a common streamline. ► More platforms are connected in strings in the south UK Sector than in the northern.