Two Interior Department agencies have issued updated guidance to oil and natural gas companies operating in the Gulf of Mexico Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) on how to conduct archaeological resource surveys and prepare archaeological reports, based on additional new information about the likely location of historical resources.

With improvements in predicting the location of archaeological sites, the new guidance (Notice to Lessee No. 2011-Joint G01) expands the number of zones in which assessment activities are required, according to Interior’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) and sister agency Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE).

Its focus includes areas where operators are already collecting high-resolution survey data for other purposes that can be used to further improve the understanding of archaeological resources without creating significant new data collection needs. The new guidance updates existing guidance (NTL No. 2005-G07), which was issued six years ago.

“There are more than 2,100 historic shipwrecks in the federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico, and we have a shared responsibility to protect our cultural and historical resources,” said BOEM Director Tommy P. Beaudreau. “In light of new information, recent discoveries and advances in hydrographic survey technology, we are updating our guidance to operators to help meet this responsibility.”

The complete list of Gulf of Mexico OCS blocks requiring archaeological resource surveys and reports, including the blocks added to the new NTL and other previously identified blocks, are included in Appendix 1 and published on the BOEM website. The new guidance (NTL No. 2011-Joint G01) is available online.

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