MARINE ECOSYSTEMS - ASSESSING THE IMPACTS OF CHRONIC CONTAMINATION FROM OFFSHORE PLATFORMS

An integrated, multidisciplinary investigation is testing for biologic al impacts in the vicinity of long-term oil and gas production sites i n the Gulf of Mexico. The objective is to develop methods to assess su blethal effects of chronic exposure of marine organisms to contaminant s discharged from offshore platforms. The chemical/physical components provide information on the spatial and temporal distribution of pollu tants. The biological components identify responses to chronic chemica l contamination as reflected in biochemical detoxification, life histo ry, reproductive success and effort, and assemblage composition. From these biological components, early-warning indicators of contaminant e xposure will be selected and refined in future studies. Ultimately, th ese indicators may be incorporated into standard procedures for monito ring offshore platforms.