Gulf of Mexico offshore operations monitoring experiment (GOOMEX), Phase I: sublethal responses to contaminant exposure – introduction and overview

Abstract

The Gulf of Mexico Offshore Operations Monitoring Experiment (GOOMEX) is a three-phase study to test and
evaluate a range of biological, biochemical, and chemical methodologies to detect and assess chronic sublethal biological
impacts in the vicinity of long-duration activities associated with oil and gas exploration and production. A chronic impact is
defined as an effect on the biota caused by exposure to the long-term accumulation of chemicals in the environment. The basic
program, comprising four field activities over a 2-yr period, was designed to detect nearfield impacts and contaminant
gradients extending out from each site. Five test sites were evaluated and three selected as most appropriate for long-term
study: MU-A85, MAI-686, and HI-A389. The sampling design included a radial pattern with stations at 30–50, 100, 200, 500,
and 3000 m distance and employed a dose–response model to test the hypotheses that biological, chemical, and biochemical
variations are due to platform-derived contaminants. Study components included contaminant (trace metals and hydrocarbons)
analysis in sediments, pore waters, and biological tissues; assemblage analysis of benthic meiofauna, infauna, and epifauna,
assessment of community health based on life history and reproduction studies; and the induction of detoxification responses.