Marine Mineral Studies

The BOEMRE Marine Minerals Program has focused its funding in three different areas of research. These three areas include biological studies, numerical wave modeling studies, and programmatic studies with a focus on impacts on the environment due to dredging.

1. Biological Studies (B)

The primary purpose of BOEMRE-funded biological studies has been to address biological concerns raised by the potential for adverse environmental impacts on marine life as a consequence of dredging sand on the OCS. In order to develop an understanding of the baseline benthic ecological conditions at offshore borrow sites prior to any dredging activity, the BOEMRE has funded numerous site-specific, field-oriented studies. These studies have entailed the compilation and synthesis of existing oceanographic literature and available data sets which exist within identified offshore borrow areas, as well as biological field sampling surveys.

2. Physical/Modeling Studies (P)

The BOEMRE has also funded numerical wave modeling studies to examine the potential for alteration in the local wave field following dredging and the excavation of sand within identified borrow sites. The modeling also explores the potential for increased wave action after dredging and any resultant adverse localized changes in erosional patterns and longshore coastal transport which might result in significant losses of beach sand after renourishment. These efforts have enabled BOEMRE-funded researchers to further explore the potential for changes in local sediment transport rates, as well as the cumulative physical effects of multiple dredging events.

3. Environmental Impact Investigations (E)

Environmental Effects of Dredging Operations

Recognizing that the environmental effects of dredging operations in many instances are similar for all areas, programmatic-type studies have also been initiated to examine the effects of particular types of dredging operations on various aspects of the physical, chemical, and biological environments, and to develop or recommend appropriate mitigation, laboratory modeling, or monitoring techniques to alleviate or prevent adverse environmental impacts.

Programmatic Studies:

	Synthesis and analysis of existing information regarding environmental effects of marine mining: Executive Summary. Hammer R., B. Balcom, M. Cruickshank, and C. Morgan, 1993. BOEMRE 93-005. (E)
	Synthesis and analysis of existing information regarding environmental effects of marine mining. Hammer, R., B. Balcom, M. Cruickshank, and C. Morgan, 1993. BOEMRE 93-006. (E)
	Marine mining technologies and mitigation techniques: A detailed analysis with respect to the mining of specific offshore mineral commodities. C-CORE, 1996. BOEMRE 95-003. (E)
	Marine aggregate mining benthic and surface plume study. Hitchcock, D., R. Newell, and L. Seiderer, 1999. BOEMRE 99-029. (P)
	A methodology and criteria to assess the impact of sand volume removed in Federal waters on the nearshore wave climate. Basco, D.R., 1999. BOEMRE 99-046. (PE)
	Strategic cumulative effects of marine aggregates dredging. Oakwood Environmental Ltd, 1999. (E)
	Development and design of biological and physical monitoring protocols to evaluate the long-term impacts of offshore dredging operations on the marine environment. Michel, J., R. Nairn, and J. Johnson., 2001. BOEMRE 2001-089. (E)
	Examination of regional management strategies for Federal offshore borrow areas along the United States east and Gulf of Mexico coasts. Michel, J., R. Nairn, and J. Johnson., 2001. BOEMRE 2001-090. (E)
	A numerical modeling evaluation of the cumulative physical effects of offshore sand dredging for beach renourishment. Kelley, S.W., J. S. Ramsey, and M.R. Byrnes, 2001. BOEMRE 2001-098. (P)
	Integrated report on the impact of marine aggregate dredging on physical and biological resources of the seabed. Hitchcock, D., R. Newell, and L. Seiderer, 2002. BOEMRE 2002-054. (BP)
	Gulf of Mexico fish and fisheries Proceedings: Bringing together new and recent research. McKay, M., J. Nides, and D. Vigil, 2002. BOEMRE 2002-004. (B)
	Review of existing and emerging environmentally friendly offshore dredging technologies. Nairn, R., T. Kenny, F. Marván, J. Michel, R. Newell, and N. Bray, 2004. BOEMRE 2004-076. (PE)
	Archaeological damage from offshore dredging: recommendations for pre-operational surveys and mitigation during dredging to avoid adverse impacts. Michel, J., G. Watts, R. Nairn, T. Kenny, F. Maravan, C. Pearson, and M. Faught, 2004. BOEMRE 2004-005. (E)
	BOEMRE dredge plume model user manual. Nairn, R., D.Scott, M. Fullarton, J. Spearman, and N. Bray, 2004. (P)
	Baird Plume Animator Manual. Nairn, R., D.Scott, M. Fullarton, J. Spearman, and N. Bray, 2004. (P)
	The benthic community of offshore sand banks: a literature synopsis of the benthic fauna resources in potential BOEMRE OCS sand mining areas. Brooks, R., S. Bell, C. Purdy, and K. Sulak, 2004. (B)
	Assessment of fish communities associated with offshore sand banks and shoals in the Northwestern Gulf of Mexico: Cruise Report. Brooks, R. and A. Quaid, 2003. (B)
	A study to address the issue of seafloor stability and the impact on oil and gas infrastructure in the Gulf of Mexico. Nairn, R., Q. Lu, and S. Langendyk, 2005. BOEMRE 2005-043. (PE)
	Field testing of a physical/biological monitoring methodology for offshore dredging and mining operations. Hobbs, C., 2005. BOEMRE 2005-056. (BP)
	Comparisons between marine communities residing on sand shoals and uniform-bottom substrates in the Mid-Atlantic Bight. Slacum, H., W. Burton, J. Vølstad, E. Weber, R. Llansó, and D. Wong, 2006. BOEMRE 2005-042. (B)
	Taxonomic composition and relative frequency of the benthic fish community found on natural sand banks and shoals in the Northwestern Gulf of Mexico: A synthesis of the southeast area monitoring and assessment program’s groundfish survey database, 1982-2000. Brooks, R., S. Keitzer, and K. Sulak, 2005. (B)
	Investigation of dredging impacts on commercial and recreational fisheries and analysis of available mitigation measures to protect and preserve resources. Tomlinson, B., J. Petterson, e. Glazier, J. Lewis, I. Selby, R. Nairn, T. Kenny, P. Godde, C. Espinasse, L. Stanley, and R. Cooke, 2007. BOEMRE 2006-065. (BE)
	Examination of the physical and biological implications of using buried channel deposits and other non-topographic offshore features as beach nourishment materials. Nairn, R., Q. Lu, S. Langendyk, M. Hayes, P. Montagna, T. Palmer, and S. Powers, 2007. BOEMRE 2007-048. (BP)
	Critical technical review and evaluation of site-specific studies techniques for the BOEMRE Marine Minerals Program. Michel, J., R. Nairn, C. Peterson, S. Ross, R. Weisberg, and R. Randall, 2007. BOEMRE 2007-047. (E)
	Analysis of potential biological and physical dredging impacts on offshore ridge and shoal features/engineering alternatives and options to avoid adverse environmental impacts. (Ongoing Study - Continental Shelf Associates) (BPE)
	Investigation of dredging guidelines to maintain and protect the integrity of offshore ridge and shoal regimes/detailed morphologic evaluation of offshore shoals.(E)
	Worldwide Synthesis and Analysis of Existing Information Regarding Environmental Effects of Alternative Energy Uses on the Outer Continental Shelf.

Alabama Studies

	Environmental survey of identified sand resource areas offshore Alabama: Executive Summary. Byrnes, M., R. Hammer, B. Vittor, J. Ramsey, D. Snyder, K. Bosma, J. Wood, T. Thibaut, and N. Phillips, 1999. BOEMRE 99-051. (E)
	Environmental survey of identified sand resource areas offshore Alabama. Byrnes, M., R. Hammer, B. Vittor, J. Ramsey, D. Snyder, K. Bosma, J. Wood, T. Thibaut, and N. Phillips, 1999. BOEMRE 99-052. (E)

Delaware Studies

	Use of Federal offshore sand resources for beach and coastal restoration in New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia. Reidenauer, J., B. Hay, M. Zeff, M. Alterman, G. Perng, D. Poppel, A. Modjeski, C. Seba, A. Rosenzweig, G. Zarillo, B. McGuinness, D. Yozzo, and J. Rhoads, 1999. BOEMRE 99-036. (PE)
	Environmental survey of potential sand resource sites offshore Delaware and Maryland. Cutter, G., R. Diaz, J. Musick, J. Olney, D. Bilkovic, J. Maa, S. Kim, C. Hardaway, D. Milligan, R. Brindley, and C. Hobbs, 2000. BOEMRE 2000-055. (E)

Florida Studies

	Impacts and direct effects of sand dredging for beach renourishment on the benthic organisms and geology of the West Florida Shelf. Blake, N.J., L.J. Doyle, and J.J. Cutter, 1996. BOEMRE 95-005. (BE)
	Environmental surveys of potential borrow areas on the Central East Florida Shelf and the environmental implications of sand removal for coastal and beach restoration. Hammer, R., M. Byrnes, D. Snyder, T. Thibaut, J. Baker, S. Kelley, J. Côté, L. Lagera, S. Viada, B. Vittor, J. Ramsey, and J. Wood, 2004. BOEMRE 2004-037
	Biological characterization/numerical wave model analysis within borrow sites offshore West Florida Coast. Zarillo, G., J. Reidenauer, K. Zarillo, T. Shinskey, E. Reyier, M. Barkaszi, J. Shenker, M. Verdugo, and N. Hodges, 2008. BOEMRE 2008-005. (BP)
	Biological characterization/numerical wave model analysis within borrow sites offshore West Florida Coast: Volume II Appendices A-C. Zarillo, G., J. Reidenauer, K. Zarillo, T. Shinskey, E. Reyier, M. Barkaszi, J. Shenker, M. Verdugo, and N. Hodges, 2008. BOEMRE 2008-005. (BP)
	Final biological characterization and numerical wave model analysis within borrow sites offshore Florida's northeast coast - Volume 1 . Zarillo, G.A., Zarillo, K.A., Reidenauer, J.A., Reyier, E. A., Shinskey, T., Barkaszi, M.J., Shenker, J.M., Verdugo, M. and Hodges, N. 2009.
	Final biological characterization and numerical wave model analysis within borrow sites offshore Florida's northeast coast - Volume 2 Zarillo, G.A., Zarillo, K.A., Reidenauer, J.A., Reyier, E. A., Shinskey, T., Barkaszi, M.J., Shenker, J.M., Verdugo, M. and Hodges, N. 2009.
	Biological characterization/numerical wave model analysis within identified borrow sites offshore the northeast coast of Florida (Ongoing Study - Scientific Environmental Applications, Inc.) (BP)
	Synthesis of available information for the Florida east and west coasts relevant to evaluating potential environmental impacts associated with offshore sand dredging for beach and coastal restoration. (Ongoing Study - BOEMRE/USGS Biological Resource Division Research) (E)

Louisiana Studies

	Wave climate modeling and evaluation relative to sand mining on Ship Shoal, offshore Louisiana, for coastal and barrier island restoration. Stone, G., and J. Xu, 1996. BOEMRE 96-059. (P)
	Wave climate and bottom boundary layer dynamics with implications for offshore sand mining and barrier island replenishment in south-central Louisiana. Stone, G., 2000. BOEMRE 2000-053. (P)
	Preliminary infrastructure stability study, offshore Louisiana. Nairn, R., S. Langendyk, and J. Michel, 2004. BOEMRE 2004- 019. (E)
	Environmental investigation of the long-term use of Ship Shoal sand resources for large-scale beach and coastal restoration in Louisiana. (Ongoing Study - Co-funded with Louisiana Department of Natural Resources) (E) Stone, G.W., Condrey, R.E., Fleeger, J.W. and Khalil, S.M. 2009
	Blue Crab (Callinectes sapidus) use of the Ship/Trinity/Tiger Shoal complex as a nationally important spawning/hatching/foraging ground Richard E. Condrey Carey G. Gelpi 2009.
	Environmental investigation of the long-term use of Trinity and Tiger Shoals for large-scale beach and coastal restoration in Louisiana. (Ongoing Study - Cooperative Agreement with Louisiana State University) (E)
	Wave-bottom interaction and bottom boundary layer dynamics in evaluating sand mining at Sabine Bank for coastal restoration, southwest Louisiana. (Ongoing Study - BOEMRE/LSU Coastal Marine Institute Research) (P)
	Ship Shoal, Louisiana: sand, shrimp, and seatrout investigation. (Ongoing Study - BOEMRE/LSU Coastal Marine Institute Research) (B)
	New WAVCIS Ocean Observing System on Ship Shoal, Louisiana. (Ongoing Study - BOEMRE/LSU Coastal Marine Institute Research with match money being provided by LDNR). (PE)
	Investigation of finfish assemblages and benthic habitats within potential borrow areas in Federal waters offshore Southeastern Texas and Southwestern Louisiana. (Ongoing Study - BOEMRE/USGS Biological Resource Division Research) (B)
	Utilization of finfish assemblages and benthic habitats within potential borrow areas in Federal waters offshore Southeastern Texas and Southwestern Louisiana. (Ongoing Study - BOEMRE/USGS Biological Resource Division Research) (B)

Maryland Studies

	Use of Federal offshore sand resources for beach and coastal restoration in New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia. Reidenauer, J., B. Hay, M. Zeff, M. Alterman, G. Perng, D. Poppel, A. Modjeski, C. Seba, A. Rosenzweig, G. Zarillo, B. McGuinness, D. Yozzo, and J. Rhoads, 1999. BOEMRE 99-036. (PE)
	Environmental survey of potential sand resource sites offshore Delaware and Maryland. Cutter, G., R. Diaz, J. Musick, J. Olney, D. Bilkovic, J. Maa, S. Kim, C. Hardaway, D. Milligan, R. Brindley, and C. Hobbs, 2000. BOEMRE 2000-055. (E)

New Jersey Studies

	Use of Federal offshore sand resources for beach and coastal restoration in New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia. Reidenauer, J., B. Hay, M. Zeff, M. Alterman, G. Perng, D. Poppel, A. Modjeski, C. Seba, A. Rosenzweig, G. Zarillo, B. McGuinness, D. Yozzo, and J. Rhoads, 1999. BOEMRE 99-036. (PE)
	Environmental survey of potential sand resource sites: Offshore New Jersey. Byrnes, M., R. Hammer, B. Vittor, J. Ramsey, D. Snyder, J. Wood, K. Bosma, T. Thibaut, and N. Phillips, 2000. BOEMRE 2000-052. (E)
	Environmental surveys of potential borrow areas offshore northern New Jersey and southern New York and the environmental implications of sand removal for coastal and beach restoration: Volume I Main Text. Byrnes, M., R. Hammer, S. Kelley, J. Baker, D. Snyder, T. Thibaut, S. Zichichi, L. Lagera, S. Viada, B. Vittor, J. Ramsey, and J. Germano, 2004. BOEMRE 2004-044. (E)

New York

	Environmental surveys of potential borrow areas offshore northern New Jersey and southern New York and the environmental implications of sand removal for coastal and beach restoration: Volume I Main Text. Byrnes, M., R. Hammer, S. Kelley, J. Baker, D. Snyder, T. Thibaut, S. Zichichi, L. Lagera, S. Viada, B. Vittor, J. Ramsey, and J. Germano, 2004. BOEMRE 2004-044. (E)
	Environmental surveys of potential borrow areas offshore northern New Jersey and southern New York and the environmental implications of sand removal for coastal and beach restoration: Volume II Appendicies

North Carolina Studies

Collection of environmental data within sand resource areas offshore North Carolina and the environmental implications of sand removal for coastal and beach restoration: Volume I: Main Text. Byrnes, M., R. Hammer, B. Vittor, S. Kelley, D. Snyder, J. Côté, J. Ramsey, T. Thibaut, N. Phillips, J. Wood, and J. Germano, 2003. BOEMRE 2000-056. (E)

Texas Studies

	Investigation of finfish assemblages and benthic habitats within potential borrow areas in Federal waters offshore Southeastern Texas and Southwestern Louisiana. (Ongoing Study - BOEMRE/USGS Biological Resource Division Research) (B)
	Utilization of finfish assemblages and benthic habitats within potential borrow areas in Federal Waters Offshore Southeastern Texas and Southwestern Louisiana. (Ongoing Study - BOEMRE/USGS Biological Resource Division Research) (B)

Virginia Studies

	Environmental studies relative to potential sand mining in the vicinity of the City of Virginia Beach, Virginia. Hobbs, C., 1998. BOEMRE 97-025. (E)
	Use of Federal offshore sand resources for beach and coastal restoration in New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia. Reidenauer, J.A., B. Hay, M. Zeff, M. Alterman, G. Perng, D. Poppel, A. Modjeski, C. Seba, A. Rosenzweig, G. Zarillo, B. McGuinness, D. Yozzo, and J. Rhoads, 1999. BOEMRE 99-036. (PE)