As decommissioning of oil and gas (O&G) installations intensifies in the North Sea, and worldwide, debate rages regarding the fate of these novel habitats and their associated biota—a debate that has important implications for future decommissioning of offshore wind farms (OWFs). Calls to relax complete removal requirements in some circumstances and allow part of an O&G installation to be left in the marine environment are increasing. Yet knowledge regarding the biological communities that develop on these structures and their ecological role in the North Sea is currently insufficient to inform such decommissioning decisions. To focus debate regarding decommissioning policy and guide ecological research, we review environmental policy objectives in the region, summarize existing knowledge regarding ecological aspects of decommissioning for both O&G and OWF installations, and identify approaches to address knowledge gaps through science–industry collaboration. We find that in some cases complete removal will conflict with other policies regarding protection and restoration of reefs, as well as the conservation of species within the region. Key ecological considerations that are rarely considered during decommissioning decisions are: (i) provision of reef habitat, (ii) productivity of offshore ecosystems, (iii) enhancement of biodiversity, (iv) protection of the seabed from trawling, and (v) enhancement of connectivity. Knowledge gaps within these areas will best be addressed using industry infrastructure and vessels for scientific investigations, re-analysis of historical data held by industry, scientific training of industry personnel, joint research funding opportunities, and trial decommissioning projects.

中文翻译：

---

北海基础设施退役的生态：我们需要了解的知识以及如何实现

随着北海乃至全球石油和天然气（O＆G）装置的退役加剧，有关这些新颖栖息地及其相关生物群的命运的争论日益激烈，这一辩论对海上风电场（OWF）的未来退役具有重要意义。在某些情况下，要求放宽对彻底拆除的要求，并允许将O＆G安装的一部分留在海洋环境中的呼吁正在增加。然而，有关在这些结构上发展的生物群落及其在北海中的生态作用的知识目前不足以为此类退役决定提供依据。为了集中讨论退役政策并指导生态研究，我们回顾了该地区的环境政策目标，总结有关O＆G和OWF装置退役的生态方面的现有知识，并确定通过科学与工业合作解决知识缺口的方法。我们发现，在某些情况下，彻底清除将与其他有关保护和恢复珊瑚礁以及保护该地区物种的政策相抵触。在退役决策中很少考虑的关键生态因素是：（i）提供礁石栖息地，（ii）近海生态系统的生产力，（iii）增强生物多样性，（iv）保护海底免于拖网，以及（v）增强连接性。这些领域内的知识差距将最好通过行业基础设施和船只进行科学调查，重新分析行业拥有的历史数据，