The NewsRoom
Release #:  3034
Date: February 25, 2004                                      

MMS Ocean Science Magazine Explores the Depths of Ocean Research

Oceans cover over 70 percent of the earth's surface and are home to untold numbers of fish, mammals and plants.  Below the ocean floor are mineral deposits that help fuel our energy dependent lives.  But, the oceans remain some of the last uncharted and least understood places on the earth.  In an effort to build a greater understanding of our oceans, the Minerals Management Service this week is launching MMS Ocean Science, a new bimonthly magazine highlighting ocean science and technology. 

So what is the agency responsible for nearly two billion ocean acres doing to secure ocean energy for Americans while protecting the environment?  The MMS Environmental Studies Program has funded over $600 million in research on the marine environments along the Gulf of Mexico, Alaska, Pacific and Atlantic outer continental shelves. 

MMS Ocean Science will provide a fascinating look into new ocean research that may someday change our very understanding of the depths. 

Upcoming features will chronicle the latest findings about the nature of the relationship between aquatic life and the offshore places they call home, the ecology of fisheries, the nature of natural and artificial reefs, as well as biological resources (fish, turtles, birds, whales), habitat resources (water quality, sediment quality), and socioeconomic resources (communities, archaeology, fiscal impacts). 

MMS Ocean Science also features new technology used by offshore industries for mineral development and will detail government research on the latest methods used to prevent and clean up oil spills. 

The first issue of MMS Ocean Science focuses on MMS, who we are and what we do.  It is posted on the web at: www.gomr.mms.gov/homepg/regulate/environ/ocean_science/index.html. 

MMS Ocean Science is also available by mail or electronically.  Sign up on the web at: www.gomr.mms.gov/guestbook/gmaillist/oceansub.asp.

The Minerals Management Service is the federal agency in the U.S. Department of the Interior that manages the nation’s oil, natural gas, and other mineral resources on the Outer Continental Shelf in Federal offshore waters.  The agency also collects, accounts for and disburses mineral revenues from Federal and American Indian lands.  MMS disbursed more than $8 billion in 2003 and more than $135 billion since the agency was created in 1982.  Nearly $1 billion from those revenues go into the Land and Water Conservation Fund annually for the acquisition and development of state and Federal park and recreation lands.
 

Relevant Web Sites

MMS Main Website

Gulf of Mexico Website
 

Media Contacts

Curtis Carey
(202) 208-3985

Debra Winbush
(504) 736-2597 

MMS: Securing Ocean Energy & Economic Value for America
U.S. Department of the Interior