MMS Sponsors Scientific Workshop
to Identify Research Needs Offshore Virginia
Workshop Participants Will Explore
Current Data and Identify Information Gaps
WASHINGTON
– The
Department of the Interior’s Minerals Management Service (MMS) is
sponsoring a workshop to consider and identify environmental
research needs in support of potential offshore oil and gas
activities off the coast of Virginia. The workshop, hosted by the
Virginia Institute of Marine Science, is scheduled for December 3-4,
2008, at the Williamsburg Woodlands Conference Center in
Williamsburg, Virginia.
Participants
attending this scientific workshop can expect to learn more about
the current technical understanding of the
marine environment off the coast of Virginia and will be invited to
provide input for future scientific research needs in their area of
expertise. Presentations by local scientists will address
the areas of physical oceanography, fish and fisheries, marine
mammals, socioeconomics and other relevant subjects.
The leasing process includes a comprehensive
environmental analysis before any decision to lease is made,”
explained MMS Director Randall Luthi. “This is the reason for the
workshop – to identify any information gaps that may exist for the
areas offshore Virginia and to develop a research plan.”
Workshop objectives include reviewing the status of
environmental and socioeconomic information for offshore Virginia;
developing recommendations for a plan of research; and exploring the
potential for interdisciplinary research programs. Proceedings,
which will be released through the MMS Environmental Studies
Program, will include suggested future studies.
The workshop will begin at 8:25 a.m. and conclude at
4:30 p.m. on December 3, 2008 and begin again at 8:30 a.m. and
conclude at 3:30 p.m. on December 4, 2008.
Registration is available on site at the
Williamsburg Woodlands Conference Center in Williamsburg, beginning
at 7:45 a.m. on December 3 and 4, 2008 or in advance on the workshop
homepage at:
http://www.vims.edu/public/workshops/mmsworkshop/index.php
Contact:
Caryl Fagot 504-736-2590
MMS: Securing Ocean Energy & Economic Value for America
U.S. Department of the Interior
Privacy |
Disclaimers |
Accessibility |
Topic Index | FOIA
Last Updated:
11/26/2008,
01:23 PM
Central Time