MMS US Dept of the Interior
Minerals Management Service
Gulf of Mexico OCS Region
Ten scientists from the Gulf of Mexico talk about their chosen profession and share a few experiences. These are just a few examples of the tremendous role science plays in “real life”.
As the Federal Agency that manages the Nation’s natural gas, oil, and other mineral resources on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS), the Department of the Interior’s Mineral Management Service (MMS) is committed to achieving the proper balance between providing energy for the American people and protecting coastal and marine environments. In addition to prudent leasing and safe management of Federal OCS lands, the MMS collects, accounts for and disburses $4 billion yearly in revenues from offshore and onshore Federal and Indian lands.
MMS meets these responsibilities through a commitment to quality service. MMS works diligently to protect the environment and to achieve excellence in every aspect of our services. To accomplish this, the MMS workforce consists of about 1,800 individuals in more than 100 occupations. About one-fourth of the workforce is located in the Gulf of Mexico Region, headquartered in New Orleans. Of this group many have specialized positions in the scientific disciplines – they are biologists, oceanographers, paleontologists, geologists, petroleum engineers, geophysicists, archaeologists, and environmental scientists, among others.
With the knowledge and skills aquired in school, the scientists in the Gulf of Mexico region are able to contribute to the important work of serving the public and protecting the environment. Because of their early interest in science and a solid education in the sciences, these talented professionals are now enjoying the benefits of doing what they love and being well compensated for it.