Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Development In The Gulf Of Maine: Avoiding Geohazards And Embracing Opportunities, Laura L. Brothers, Joseph T. Kelley, Melissa Landon Maynard, Daniel F. Belknap, Stephen M. Dickson

Maine Policy Review

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 …