The first annual report for the Sperm Whale Seismic Study (SWSS) detailed the program objectives, tasks, and participants, the data collection and processing for the S-tag and D-tag cruises in year 1, and the methods for data collection and quality assurance/quality control(QA/QC), as well as presenting preliminary technical discussions (Jochens and Biggs 2003).This report focuses on the data collection and analysis efforts during year 2 of the study.

The Minerals Management Service (MMS) mandated that offshore operators in the Gulf of Mexico participate in an annual survey program for the years 2000 and 2005. For 2000, MMS collected information regarding offshore operations. The purpose of the survey was to assist the MMS in constructing an emission inventory for the entire Gulf of Mexico. For the 2000 inventory effort, MMS funded the development of the Gulf wide Offshore Activities Data System(GOADS-2000) software in order to assist offshore operators in complying with the MMS mandate. The GOADS software assists users in recording...

The Minerals Management Service (MMS) is responsible for assessing the potential impacts of air pollutant emissions from offshore oil and gas exploration, development, and production sources in the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). This responsibility is driven by the OCS Lands Act, which directs MMS to regulate OCS emission sources to assure that they do not significantly affect onshore air quality. The MMS air quality regulations are contained in 30 CFR 250.302 through 304. In particular, MMS must assess the impact of emissions from platform and other OCS sources on the air quality of the...

In the last 20 years, producers consolidated, restructured, implemented cost-saving technologies, and cost cutting programs. Companies sought economies through elimination of layers of management. They also re-examined properties, shedding some and acquiring others. Some companies reorganized to encourage effective adaptation to rapidly changing conditions and related opportunities. Sale of properties and company acquisitions created some large new independents. Large producers invested in foreign and offshore U.S. exploration and production. Foreign, nationally owned oil companies bought...

The main purpose of this work was to explore the possibility that the deep flow ( 2000 m) around the edges of the Gulf circulates in a cyclonic, or counter-clockwise direction. The existence of such flow was proposed on theoretical grounds but had not been previously documented. Our results are quite clear that such flow is reliably observed.

The aim of the project was to study five specific deepwater Gulf of Mexico developments and show how their fabrication, installation, and operation has had an economic impact around the United States and, to a lesser extent, the world. The five developments studied cover a number of different methods for developing deepwater reserves in the Gulf of Mexico. The projects are summarized in the two tables below. Table 1 gives the type and general costs. These are not entirely consistent as discussed in the notes, but the major deviation concerns Pompano that does not include many additional costs...

This report presents an empirical analysis of the demand for port services generated by the deepwater oil and gas industry during its phenomenal growth during the last decade. During this period, the deepwater oil production registered a nine-fold increase while the gas production increased sixteen fold. In addition, technological developments in seismic data acquisition, large deepwater field discoveries, and the innovative production systems have completely transformed the industry and the logistical support network. Although the logistical support system is a vital component of the...

This report was prepared under contract between the Minerals Management Service (MMS) and Louisiana State University's Center for Energy Studies. This draft report has not been technically reviewed by MMS. Approval does not signify that the contents necessarily reflect the view and policies of the Service, nor does mention of trade names or commercial products constitute endorsement or recommendation for use. It is, however, exempt from review and compliance with MMS editorial standards.

This report was prepared under contract between the Minerals Management Service (MMS) and Science Applications International Corporation. This report has been technically reviewed by the MMS, and it has been approved for publication. Approval does not signify that the contents necessarily reflect the views and policies of the MMS, nor does mention of trade names or commercial products constitute endorsement or recommendation for use. It is, however, exempt from review and compliance with the MMS editorial standards.

The composition of biofouling communities on three offshore platforms in the Gulf of Mexico was examined. A platform in South Timbalier block 54 lay in 22 m of water 40 km from shore. A platform in Grand Isle block 94 lay in 60 m of water 86 km offshore. A platform in Green Canyon lease block 18 lay in 219 m at 150 km offshore near the edge of the continental shelf. The three platforms had been the site of previous fisheries-related investigations and offered an offshore gradient. Research operations were carried out from the platforms with Exxon and Mobil corporations hosting and providing...