A. Sea floor mapping and characterization of the Santa Barbara Channel and Santa Maria Basin

In 2005, Guy Cochrane of the U. S. Geological Survey will continue to conduct sea floor mapping of previously uncharacterized areas in the eastern Santa Barbara Channel. A knowledge of the natural reefs in the areas around oil and gas platforms will allow for a better understanding of how important are the fish assemblages at these human-made structures.

B. Investigation of Otolith Microchemical Signatures Specific to Fishes at Platforms

This research, to be conducted between 2005 and 2007, will examine whether fishes living around platforms have a characteristic elemental “signature” in their ear bones. If a platform-dwelling fish does have this signature, it would remain in place even if that fish moved away from the platform to a natural reef. In essence, part of that fish’s ear bone would have a permanent “tag”, allowing researchers to trace the fish back to living around the platform.

C. Pollutant Levels of Fishes at Platforms and Natural Habitats

A concern in the decommissioning process is the question of whether fishes living around platforms have higher levels of pollutants than those living in natural habitats.

This research, to be conducted between 2005 and 2007, is intended to compare pollutant levels in fishes living around platforms and both over natural reefs and on soft sea floors.