On Fri, 05 Mar 2004 23:26:33 -0500, Wayne.B wrote:

Yes. My thinking is that they should be kept away from metro areas and
away from major boating centers. They are too dangerous for a populated
region, and the required security zones and procedures would make them a
major pain to pleasure boaters. Perhaps off shore unloading platforms
with underwater pipes going inland?

The technology to do that surely exists and it solves some of the issues.

http://www.offshore-technology.com/c...roduction/fmc/

But, it might be too little, too late. Do a search on "natural gas cliff".