1. In submarine canyons of the North Atlantic margin where erosional 

 environments exist, the probability of serious environmental impact to 

 faunal assemblages from oil and gas activities in the vicinity of 

 canyon heads is low, and 



2. In submarine canyons of the North Atlantic margin where depositional 

 environments may exist, the rate of accumulation of drilling-related 

 contaminants from oil and gas activities is slow enough not to present 

 serious environmental risks to faunal assemblages in the canyon heads. 



To enhance exchange, the number of participants was limited, although a 

 number of observers have been accommodated. 



NEW STUDIES? 



Although much information is in hand, new studies are not ruled out. 

 While the program is not necessarily soliciting recommendations for new 

 studies, if there are technical issues that could be resolved through 

 scientific studies, a recommendation would be appropriate. Any new study 

 would need to be focused on an issue that can be resolved or narrowed, and 

 objectives, timing, needs, and users of the information must be clearly 

 identified. 



FACTS AND VALUES 



The focus of the workshop is on science, and the facts that support the 

 conclusions. A purpose of the workshop is to separate out value judgments 

 from the Environmental Studies Program. We can analyze elements of the risk 

 involved, but cannot decide if such risk is acceptable. The studies program 

 is not involved in making value judgments. This is a separate issue, and left 

 to decision makers and managers. 



