Study planning, testing, and reality: platform removal and associated biota

Abstract

From the Abstract: “About 80 structures are removed annually by use of explosive charges placed 5 m below the sea-floor inside major support elements. While commercial and sport fishing and the discard of shrimp bycatch are known to decrease reef fish stocks in the GOM, there is no doubt that the necessary use of explosives during platform removals also kills fish. Using preliminary data and firsthand experience from 1991, Minerals Management Service (MMS) designed a formal study to examine the severity of explosive removals on fish stocks when compared with the effects of commercial/recreational fishing and bycatch discard. In 1992, MMS signed an Interagency Agreement with the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to perform the investigation. The study required that fish with 40 water depth be investigated. The first shakedown cruise, in late 1992, showed that numerous adjustments to diving procedures and equipment were needed. After design simplification and diving practice, work performed during an early 1993 cruise indicated that the study objectives could be met with the new procedures and equipment. The applicability of the study plan and methodology to an actual platform removal is discussed.”