In the Gulf of Mexico, from oil rigs to fish havens (pictures)

FLOWER GARDEN BANKS, GULF OF MEXICO -- Ever wondered what happens to an oil rig when it's no longer producing? Since 1990, 450 in the Gulf of Mexico have been transformed into artificial reefs as part of a series of state-run programs known as Rigs to Reefs.

Thanks to the programs, which are run in Texas, Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, and Florida, the oil companies donate the rigs rather than tow them back to shore, and also donate half their cost savings.

As part of CNET Road Trip 2014, I traveled more than 100 miles into the Gulf to check out one of the rigs -- technically known as a production platform -- from 100 feet below the surface, where thousands of fish, including this barracuda, have a comfortable home.

Please click here for my full story on the Rigs to Reefs program.

Most of the decommissioned rigs have their platforms severed, and only begin at 85 feet below the surface. This rig, technically known as a production platform, is the High Island 389. Owned by W&T Offshote, it's under consideration for donation to the Texas Rigs to Reefs program. As of today, it has not had its platform severed but it is considered officially idle.

High Island 389, seen from the surface of the Gulf of Mexico.

It's estimated that each of the artificial reefs in the program can be home to between 12,000 and 14,000 fish. The High Island 389, while not yet part of the program, is already home to teeming marine life.

The Rigs to Reefs program creates new habitats for marine life and also offers new opportunities for fishing and scuba diving.

CNET reporter Daniel Terdiman waves hello in a selfie taken within the perimeter of High Island 389.

Many species of fish call High Island 389 their home. It's not yet clear what will happen to the oil rig, which is currently "idle," according to W&T Offshore, the company that owns it.

A barracuda swims within a decommissioned oil rig in this official Texas Rigs to Reefs program photo.

A fish known as a French Angel calls this decommissioned oil rig -- not High Island 389 -- home.

Another species of fish that calls the Gulf of Mexico, and this decommissioned oil rig, home is the Spotfin Butterfly

A number of Spanish Hogfish brighten the area inside this decommissioned oil rig.

The Spadefish is plentiful within the confines of this decommissioned oil rig.

Looking up toward the top of the High Island 389, you'll see hundreds, if not thousands, of fish.

The average decommissioned oil rig has piles -- legs -- that go down 200 feet or more below the surface. The High Island 389, which is not yet part of the Rigs to Reefs program, goes down 300 feet, and fish can be found all the way down -- though most of those depths are below the range of recreational scuba divers.

A major joint in the High Island 389 platform is teeming with fish.

This beam, part of the High Island 389 production platform, is covered in marine life.

The High Island 389 disappears into the distance.

Marine life is abundant within the perimeter of the High Island 389.

Teeming marine life in the depths of the High Island 389 production platform.

A look straight up at the underside of the main part of a production platform in the Gulf of Mexico.