Mitigation of Sea Floor Conflicts between Oil and Gas Pipelines and Commercial Trawl Fisheries on the California Outer Continental Shelf

摘要

This report investigated the effects of anchoring disturbances caused by anchors used by vessels installing oil and gas pipelines on commercial trawl fishing. The major objective was to identify methods to avoid or minimize such potential problems in the future and to predict the significance of these problems in new areas of oil and gas activities off Central and Southern California. Pipelaying technology and the associated anchoring systems were reviewed to assess alternative means which may minimize anchor disturbances. Trawl fishing operations off Central and Southern California were also reviewed included the locations of current and future trawl fishing activity. Data was synthesized on environmental conditions that potentially affect the magnitude of anchor disturbances. These included bottom types and wind, wave and current conditions off Central and Southern California.