Protection of Sensitive Biological Habitats and Resources in Relation to Offshore Oil and Gas Development in the Gulf of Mexico

摘要

The Minerals Management SErvice (MMS) has oversight responsibility for leasing, exploration, and development of submerged Federal lands on the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). Pursuant to the OCS Land Act, as amended, the MMS Environmental Studies Program was initiated in 1973 to evalaute the environmental effects of oil and gas activities on the OCS. This paper is designed to present soem of the environmental issues in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM). Emphasis is placed on several sensitive and important biological and habitat resources of special cocern.