Environmental Monitoring

Seafloor Monitoring

The Seafloor Monitoring Program in the Gulf of Mexico Region officially began with a pilot project in 1997 as a way to assess industry compliance with mitigative measures applied to offshore activities. These mitigative measures typically consist of avoidance criteria of seafloor features. The goal of the 1997 season was “to acquire seafloor imagery of a random selection of oil and gas construction projects where operators had been instructed to avoid features protected by BOEMRE stipulation or regulation” (p. 3, Report #99-0014).

The Seafloor Monitoring Program is made up of a pool of scientific divers from BOEMRE and, since 1997, has ranged in number from five to eight members. Currently, the team consists of three biologists, two archaeologists, and one geophysicist. In addition to the divers, the team has one non-diving sidescan sonar operator who is also an archaeologist. In addition to monitoring industry compliance with environmental mitigations, the Seafloor Monitoring Team also supports the BOEMRE Studies Program by conducting contract inspections and oversight of fieldwork.

Each year the Seafloor Monitoring Team conducts an openwater and diver rescue skills refresher training trip. This exercise is essential to maintaining proficiency in working safely in the underwater environment. All divers are required to complete a number of exercises and rescue scenarios (as identified in the BOEMRE Dive Team Safety Manual), including an annual dive to 130 fsw to maintain their depth certifications. This is also typically the only time that all diving members of the team have an opportunity to dive together.

Over the last eight years (1997 through 2004) the Seafloor Monitoring Team has completed 43 field investigations to verify archaeological and biological mitigations, inspect industry activity on pipeline and wellsite construction, and to support the BOEMRE Studies Program.

Additional information on the 1997 and 1998 field seasons can be found in the Proceedings of the 17th and 18th Annual Gulf of Mexico Information Transfer Meeting (BOEMRE Report Nos., 99-0042 and 2000-030).