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Technology
Assessment & Research (TA&R) Program
| Project
Number |
20 |
| Date of Summary |
September 30, 1982 |
| Subject |
Toxic Effects of Drill Mud on
Coral |
| Performing Activity |
U.S. Geological Survey - Fisher
Island Station |
| Principal Investigator |
Mr. Gene Shinn |
| Contracting Agency |
U.S. Geological Survey |
| Estimated Completion |
Complete |
| Description |
To quantify the effects of whole
drilling muds on corals and the extent and chemical make-up of mud plumes. |
| Progress |
Complete. Tests indicate that
typical whole drilling muds used in the Gulf of Mexico are no more toxic to coral than
standard mud (CaCo). Sampling of discharges from drilling operations indicate that at 100
meters from corals, effects will be minor at most. An analysis of the effects of drilling
through a coral reef in the Philippines indicates little suppression of coral head growth.
The project was transferred to the MMS
Environmental Studies Program. |
| Reports |
AA (56 pages)
 |
Thompson, Jr., Jack H., Effects
of Drilling Mud on Seven Species of Reef-Building Corals as Measured in Field and
Laboratory, Texas A&M University, Department of Oceanography, College Station, Texas,
June 1979 (undated). |
| AB (26 pages)
|
Hudson, J. H., Robbin, D. M.,
Effects of Drilling Mud on the Growth Rate of Reef-Building Coral, Monastraea Annularis,
The R&D Program for OCS Oil and Gas Operations, U.S. Geological Survey, 1980. |
| AC (44 pages)
|
Shinn, E. A., Hudson, J. H., and
Lec, C. K., Drilling Mud Plumes from Exploratory and Production in the Northern Gulf of
Mexico: Implications for Coral Survival, The R&D Program for OCS Oil and Gas
Operations, U.S. Geological Survey, 1980. |
| AD (19 pages)
|
Hudson, J. H., Shinn, E. A., and
Robbin, D. M., Effects of Offshore Drilling on Philippine Reef Corals, MMS, July 1982. |
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