I was going to suggest that the platforms be cut down to a level that would allow shipping to pass above safely. Then I read the rest of the article and saw that was exactly what was suggested. I guess they wouldn't be usable as a bird refuge.
Another thought I had about platforms came as a result of observing the Gulf hurricane problem. Would it be possible to put platforms on hydraulic legs so they could be lowered and put partially underwater in the event of a big storm? Or would they be more in danger than they are up in the air?