FOR RELEASE:   April 11, 1994              CONTACT:  Lee Scurry
                                                  (202)208-3983

MMS AWARDS $113,058 CONTRACT TO CONTINENTAL SHELF ASSOCIATES, INC.
(#40026)

     The Department of the Interior's Minerals Management Service
(MMS) announced today that a $113,058 contract has been awarded to
Continental Shelf Associates, Inc. in Jupiter, Florida, to continue
the long-term monitoring of the East and West Flower Garden Banks.

     The Flower Garden Banks are a unique pair of colorful coral
banks located along the outer continental shelf, approximately 120
miles offshore Texas.  The zone was officially designated as a
National Marine Sanctuary by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA) in 1992.

     The study, which is being funded equally by MMS and NOAA, will
monitor the health of corals and coralline algae of the reef crests
on both Flower Garden Banks, said MMS Director Tom Fry.

     Three survey cruises, utilizing scuba divers and remotely
operated vehicles (ROV), will be conducted over 30 months, Fry
said.  Monitoring techniques will include: 

     --   Photographic and videotape samples to determine coral
          community structure and general health conditions;

     --   Exact, repetitive close-up photography of fixed,
          permanent coral stations to determine coral growth rates;

     --   Repetitive photography of fixed areas to evaluate
          long-term changes in individual coral colonies; and

     --   Collection of data on water, sediment, and weather
          conditions including water temperature, salinity, and
          dissolved oxygen. 

     "MMS is committed to obtaining the best scientific data
possible so we can make sound decisions toward ensuring the
protection of marine and coastal environments," Fry said.

     MMS administers federal offshore mineral programs and manages
the federal mineral royalty program.

     The MMS Environmental Studies Program has initiated scientific
research that has generated more than 750 peer-reviewed scientific
articles and numerous reports addressing marine and coastal
scientific issues.

                              -MMS-

Subject: PR-4/11/94 Continental Shelf Associates/MMS Awards
$113,058 Contract to Continental Shelf Associates, Inc. (#40026)