NTL 2004-G05 - Biologically Sensitive Areas of the Gulf of Mexico - April 1, 2004

1The Minerals Management Service (MMS) Gulf of Mexico OCS Region (GOMR) is issuing this Notice to Lessees and Operators and Pipeline Right-of-way Holders (NTL) pursuant to 30 CFR 250.103 to provide and consolidate guidance for the avoidance and protection of biologically sensitive features and areas (i.e., topographic features, pinnacles, live bottoms (low-relief features), and other potentially sensitive biological features) when conducting Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) operations in water depths less than 400 meters (1,312 feet) in the Gulf of Mexico. This NTL supersedes and replaces NTL No. 98-12, Implementation of Consistent Biological Stipulation Measures in the Central and Western Gulf of Mexico, effective August 10, 1998, and NTL No. 99-G16, Live-Bottom Surveys and Reports, effective July 8, 1999. For guidance on avoiding biologically sensitive areas in water depths 400 meters (1,312 feet) or greater, refer to NTL No. 2000-G20, Deepwater Chemosynthetic Communities, effective December 6, 2000.