Identifying sensitive, hard-bottom habitat in shallow, Federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico

Bottom-disturbing activities related to oil and gas exploration and development may impact benthic resources. In shallow water (<300 m), the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) provides guidance for avoidance and protection of biologically sensitive features and areas through Notice to Lessees (NTL) No. 2009-G39. BOEM’s database of the location of these features is incomplete. It should be updated to ensure accurate and efficient environmental management and Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) oil and gas exploration and development planning. BOEM employed contractual support to review 167 existing seafloor surveys to identify hard bottom habitat in the shallow waters of the Western and Central Gulf of Mexico Planning Areas. A project inventory sheet was populated by the contractor with an entry for each survey reviewed. The presence of hardbottom was noted when applicable. Overall, hardbottom was present or potentially present in 50% of the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) OCS blocks reviewed through this project. Based on the results of this study, BOEM will update their internal GIS mapping products and other materials for both internal and external uses.

USD: $303,410

2021-08-16 → 2021-09-23