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An Assessment of Techniques for Removing Offshore Structures (1996) / Chapter Skim
Currently Skimming:

Environmental Assessment of Present Removal Techniques
Pages 42-49

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From page 42...
... Because of the potential damage from underwater explosions to both sea turtles and marine mammals, Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act requires that the Minerals Management Service (MMS) and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS)
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From page 43...
... If these efforts are successful and turtle populations increase, the numbers of sea turtles near platforms and thus the risk from explosive removals will also increase. To document the effects of underwater explosions on sea turtles, the NMF undertook an experiment to determine the extent of injuries to sea turtles placed at 750 feet, 1,200 feet, 1,800 feet, and 3,000 feet from an explosive removal of an oil platform (Klima et al., 19881.
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From page 44...
... The 1990 report concluded that the data on the association of sea turtles with platforms and the effects of explosive removals on sea turtles are inadequate and that further research is needed. Marine Mammals Dolphins have been observed around platforms, especially in water deeper than 450 feet; and 28 species of cetaceans have been documented in the Gulf of Mexico, most of which are deep-water species (Mullin et al., 1990; Davis et al., 19951.
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From page 45...
... The commission also recommended that permit requests include all species of marine mammals that could be affected. Based on recent surveys, these would include bottlenose dolphins, Atlantic spotted dolphins, pantropical spotted dolphins, and sperm whales (Collum and Fritts, 19853.
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From page 46...
... impacted by explosive structure removals is economically insignificant compared with the take by commercial fisheries, the by-catch of shrimp fisheries and recreational fisheries, the long-term biological effects could be significant. Fish killed during explosive removals 30 25 20 15 10 5 MeannumbGrof~hA~ tl \41 .
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From page 47...
... Unfortunately, neurophysiological pathology studies in fishes exposed to explosive removals have not been conducted. SUMMARY Current data on the deaths of or injuries to sea turtles and marine mammals from explosive removals indicate that the existing NMFS Observer Program has been successful in limiting mitigating damage to these species from explosive removals.
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From page 48...
... Impacts of the explosive removal of offshore petroleum platforms on sea turtles and dolphins. Marine Fisheries Review 50:33-42.
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From page 49...
... 1990. Texas Artificial Reef Fishery Management Plan, Fishery Management Plan Series No.
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Key Terms

  • explosive removals
  • marine mammals
  • sea turtle
  • explosive removal
  • reef fish

  • bottlenose dolphins
  • marine fisheries
  • petroleum platforms
  • minerals management
  • management service

  • spotted dolphins
  • fisheries service
  • fish populations
  • national marine
  • atlantic spotted

  • offshore platforms
  • offshore oil
  • marine mammal
  • annual workshop
  • sperm whales

  • offshore structures
  • turtle conservation
  • fish killed
  • red snapper
  • mexico ocs

  • underwater explosions
  • northern gulf
  • observer program
  • artificial reef
  • gas platforms


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