Development in the Gulf of Maine: avoiding geohazards andembracing opportunities (1)

Published: 2010

Author(s):
Brothers, L.
Kelley, J.
Landon, M.
Belknap D.
Dickson, S.

Publication Name: Maine Policy Review, 19(1)

Publication URL: https://digitalcommons.library.umaine.edu/mpr/vol19/iss1/7/

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Abstract:

Mapping for marine-spatial planning is crucial if Maine is to safely develop its offshore resources, espe­cially wind and tidal energy. The authors focus on shallow natural gas (methane) deposits, an important and widespread geohazard in Maine’s seafloor. They describe the origin, occur­rence, and identification of natural gas in Maine’s seafloor; explain the hazards associated with these deposits and how to map them; and discuss what Maine can learn from European nations that have already developed their offshore wind resources. Because the U.S. gives states a central role in coastal management, Maine has the chance to be proactive in delineating coastal resources and demarcating potential seafloor hazards.