Paper copies of these posters are available through the Gulf of Mexico Public Information Office which can be contacted at 1-800-200-GULF.
BOEM’s Environmental Studies Program develops, conducts and oversees world-class scientific research specifically to inform policy decisions regarding development of OCS energy and mineral resources. Research covers physical oceanography, atmospheric sciences, biology, protected species, social sciences and economics, submerged cultural resources and environmental fates and effects. This poster provides photos, with short descriptions, of select research projects.
Historic Shipwrecks of the Gulf of Mexico
Shipwrecks are like time capsules, preserving a record of what life was like in the past. BOEM requires the oil and gas industry to survey the seafloor to detect potential shipwrecks. Marine archaeologists at BOEM work with other archaeologists and historians to determine where shipwrecks are likely to be found by studying historic documents and maps.
Sea Turtles of the Gulf of Mexico
Sea turtles are in the taxonomic class of Reptilia. They share class with crocodiles, alligators, lizards, snakes, land turtles, and tortoises. These incredible animals have been around for about 110 million years and are protected by the Endangered Species Act. BOEM studies protected species and their habitats in order to understand how human and natural activities impact them and their environment.
Whales and Dolphins of the Gulf of Mexico
Twenty-one species of whales and dolphins regularly occur in Gulf waters and are identified in the National Marine Fisheries Service's Stock Assessment Reports. These animals and the sperm whale are protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act. BOEM's support and funding of comprehensive studies of the possible effects of human activities on the distribution, abundance and behavior of marine mammals are an important part of our mission.