Contributions of Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf Environmental Studies program to knowledge of ocean environments

Abstract

The Minerals Management Service Environmental Studies Program was initiated in 1973 by the Secretary of Interior to conduct studies needed to predict, assess, and manage impacts on the human, marine and coastal environments of the outer continental shelf (OCS) and nearshore areas which may be affected by oil and gas activities. Studies in the Atlantic OCS Region have since made contributions to the body of knowledge concerning oceanographic processes of OCS environments extending from Nova Scotia to Cape Canaveral. The Atlantic Studies Program has contributed not only to the characterization of these areas and impact assessment on OCS resources but also to the advancement of oceanographic technologies and deepwater research. The program is committed to wide dissemination of information available in the form of data bases, reports, maps, models, and refereed publications. This overview focuses on the extent and principal results of studies which may prove valuable to resource managers and scientists investigating OCS processes.