What We've Done

History of Projects

The objective of this study was to enhance the understanding of the relationship between Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) development and the economies, communities and households of the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) region. The study examined historical, social, and economic changes in three coastal areas – South Louisiana (Central Lafourche, South Lafourche, and South Terrebonne parishes), Coastal Bend, Texas (San Patricio County),and Mobile Bay (Baldwin and Mobile counties) – since 1930 and the roles of the offshore oil industry in those changes.

The purpose of this study was to explore the ways in which Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) activities affect the people of Morgan City and New Iberia, Louisiana. The study examined the nature of OCS-related work and its impacts on the lifestyles of individuals and families. Volume 1 describes the range of social and economic impacts and was intended to address MMS’ information requirements in preparing social impact assessments. Volume 2, “Case Studies,” was initially prepared in 2000 as a “first cut” through a large body of research material and provides an ethnographic description of life in these communities amid this massive industry.

The purpose of this project was to study, document, and explain the evolution of the offshore oil and gas industry in an objective and comprehensive way. Publicly available data from this study include over 450 oral history interviews (summarized in an Endnote database and also transcribed) and over 1,000 digital copies of photographs from the historical period (accompanied by an Excel worksheet listing the photos). These data are available at university and community archives in Texas and Louisiana.

This study is being conducted to address a significant gap in MMS data and analysis. The study is describing the fabrication and shipbuilding industries, the services they provide, and their labor demands and how they meet them. It also will provide information about their geographic distribution, environmental impacts, trends, dynamics, and demographic and socioeconomic significance. Finally, the study is exploring variation within the industries (e.g., large firms vs. small ones) and the effects of that variation.

This project is underway to examine the history of the offshore oil and gas industry during the deepwater era, from the 1970s through the end of the 20th century.  Publicly available data from this project will include oral history interviews (which will be transcribed and added to the collection created for the Offshore Oil and Gas History) and digital photographs.

This study began in September 2010 to investigate the effects of offshore oil and gas exploration and production on ethnic communities along the U.S. Gulf of Mexico from Louisiana to Alabama. A supplement to the initial study plan will examine specifically the effect of the Deepwater Horizon disaster and response on these communities.

This study began in September 2010 to measure, document, and describe the effects of the offshore petroleum industry and this disaster on people and communities along the U.S. Gulf of Mexico. It will draw on the expertise of community leaders and residents; university researchers; independent scholars; federal, state, and local government officials; business and industry representatives; and members of the not-for-profit sector.