MMS biologist Mary Elaine Helix counts snails and mollusks found in mussel beds along California’s coast as part of a long-term rocky intertidal monitoring program. Data collected through the program provides valuable baseline information used to identify the health and long-term changes to rocky shores along the coast.

MMS manages a robust Environmental Studies Program and relies on the findings of its scientific research to make informed decisions regarding energy development on the Outer Continental Shelf.