Georges Bank monitoring program: analysis of hydrocarbons in bottom sediments and analysis of hydrocarbons and trace metals in benthic fauna during the third year of monitoring

Abstract

From the Abstract: “This program was conducted to document background hydrocarbon and trace metal levels in selected sediments and benthic fauna, and to monitor potential short and long term changes which may result from exploratory drilling activities in the Georges Bank Lease Sale 42 region. Aromatic hydrocarbon component levels in the sediments immediately around the Mobil Oil drill rig, Rowan-Midland, were very low (1-5 ng/g dry weight) and essentially constant over the quarterly sampling cruises conducted during the Year One Monitoring Program. Evidence of biogenic and petrogenic hydrocarbons was found in several natural depositional regimes around the periphery of Georges Bank. There is no evidence of drilling fluid related hydrocarbon accumulation in the epifaunal tissues analyzed.”