western Alaska, and northern and middle Atlantic coasts. Each 

 study is conducted in four phases: 



(1) A survey of existing environmental data to identify gaps that 

 require investigation 



(2) Baseline sampling and analysis of chemical, biological, and 

 physical conditions that characterize the area 



(3) Detailed investigations of special problems (such as toxicity of 

 drilling muds and toxicity of hydrocarbons on shrimp larvae] 



(4] Monitoring selected environmental parameters. 



To aid in planning the studies, DOI has established a Research 

 Advisory Board to BLM composed of representatives from EPA, 

 NOAA, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). USGS, and each of 

 the coastal States. A task group of representatives from NOAA, 

 USGS, EPA, and FWS aids BLM in proposal evaluations. To 

 coordinate local efforts, BLM has established Environmental 

 Assessment Teams in New Orleans, Los Angeles, Anchorage, and 

 New York City. 



The first baseline sampling effort was initiated during the spring 

 of 1974, through a contract with a consortium of Florida universities, 

 the State Universities System for Investigating the Ocean. By the 

 end of the year the data collection had been completed, analysis had 

 begun, and succeeding phases of special studies and monitoring 

 were in advanced planning stages. 



A second baseline sampling effort was started in the Gulf of 

 Alaska during July 1974. In this effort NOAA has the lead role for 

 data and sample collection and analysis. It includes cooperative and 

 contractual arrangements with USGS, FWS, the University of 

 Alaska, and the Alaska Department of Fish and Wildlife. Com- 

 parable arrangements exist for studies begun during the fall of 1974 

 off the south Texas coast where USGS has the lead role and the State 

 of Texas and its universities are involved. 



On the East coast, off the North and Mid-Atlantic States, USGS 

 and NOAA have redirected existing programs and have begun 

 collecting data as part of a broader, integrated effort involving 

 planned contracts with coastal universities, consortia, or others. 



NOAA's National Ocean Survey is preparing bathymetric maps 

 for each study area in support of the leasing program. Existing 

 information is being used in the preparation of these maps, but 

 where it is insufficient, as in the Gulf of Alaska, new data are being 

 required. As they are processed, the baseline data obtained during 

 the field and associated laboratory investigations are being 

 submitted to NOAA's Environmental Data Services, where they are 

 available to the general public. 



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