The Environmental Studies Program (ESP) of the BOEM is offering a cooperative agreement opportunity through Louisiana Coastal Marine Institute (CMI) to Louisiana State University (LSU) ¿ and other units within the LSU system that have the ability to conduct research in topics that serve the public interest of safe and environmentally sound energy production and meet the goals of the BOEM. BOEM manages the exploration and development of oil, natural gas and other minerals and renewable energy alternatives on the nation¿s outer continental shelf. BOEM seeks studies from LSU that will provide public benefit in several ways. It will stimulate the application of science to problem solving and protection of natural resources. It will promote educational opportunities in the ocean sciences. It will lead to protection of natural resources of value to subsistence lifestyles. The research will inform the public and resource managers at the local, state and federal level who make decisions about issues relating to offshore oil, gas, renewable energy and other marine minerals. Louisiana State University Faculty and Staff are eligible to apply under this announcement. Research projects are required to have a Louisiana State University faculty or staff member as the Principal Investigator. Other university researchers and organizations interested in collaborating with Louisiana State University can contact them at the address shown in Section VIII of the program announcement. Cooperative research between Louisiana State University scientists and various state agencies is always encouraged.