The Coastal Marine Institute (CMI) at Louisiana State University was established for an initial six years (1992-1998) as a cooperative agreement between the State and the Minerals Management Service of the U.S. Department of the Interior. The basic intent of CMI was to direct the considerable research talents of a major research university towards Federal and State information needs in a State where Outer Continental Shelf development of the oil and gas industry is a major factor. Funding for all projects undertaken has been equally divided between MMS and Louisiana resources.