In recent years, offshore oil and gas production
expanded to new areas of the world ocean. Unfortunately, oil and
gas exploration and extraction can be associated with negative ecological
consequences. For example, seismic surveys may interfere with commercial
fishing, installation of platforms disturb habitats of marine fish
and invertebrates, and the discharge of drilling muds introduce
a number of contaminants into the surrounding waters. Oil spills
associated with offshore operations or with tanker accidents also
threaten the marine environment. Recent spills have demonstrated
vulnerability of coastal communities. Oil slicks at sea can kill
or otherwise adversely affect marine birds and mammals, zooplankton,
as well as the eggs and larvae of fish and invertebrates. The goal
of this session is to bring together marine scientists working on
these issues and to discuss what steps can be taken to minimize
adverse ecological effects of offshore oil and gas production.