Workshop on Deepwater Environmental Studies Strategy:
A Five-Year Follow-Up and Planning for the Future, May 29-31, 2002

OCS Study MMS 2003-030

 The Minerals Management Service (MMS), Gulf of Mexico OCS Region, announces the availability of a new study report, Workshop on Deepwater Environmental Studies Strategy:  A Five-Year Follow-Up and Planning for the Future, May 29-31, 2002.

 This report presents the results of a workshop held May 29-31, 2002, in Kenner, Louisiana, that brought together many experts to discuss what we know about the deep Gulf of Mexico and what we need to find out.  A plenary session presented the state of knowledge in the Gulf of Mexico in the fields of physical oceanography, geology, biology, and socioeconomics as well as future expansion by industry.  Three breakout sessions discussed biology, geology, and socioeconomics, resulting in identification of information gaps and potential future information needs.  Summaries of the breakout sessions are presented by the session chairs.  One ad hoc group was formed to discuss the effects of deepwater structures on fish behavior.  The proceedings include an excellent summary of the state of knowledge of the deep Gulf of Mexico for the areas of physical oceanography, geology, and biology.

 This report is available only in compact disc format.  The discs are available from the Minerals Management Service, Gulf of Mexico OCS Region, at a charge of $15.00 by referencing OCS Study MMS 2003-030.  You will be able to obtain this report also from the National Technical Information Service in the near future.  Here are the addresses.  You may also inspect copies at selected Federal Depository Libraries.