Cost-Benefit Considerations in Routing Pipelines Through Offshore Fishing Grounds

The purpose of this work is to explore the technology and economics associated with the options which might be used to transport oil from Georges Bank with the least total cost objective in mind. First, we summarize background information on the existing usage of Georges Bank by fishermen and those offshore areas of greatest interest to the oil industry. A consideration of various alternatives of transportation to shore and their relative costs (and benefits) should allow one to get a handle, approximate as it may be, on which might be best for society as a whole in terms of least total cost. Finally, brief mention will be made of the regulatory setting in which the multiple resource use issues raised here would be considered.