Oil Spill Science Seminar: Exploring Oil Spill Impacts in the Deep Gulf of Mexico
The Harte Research Institute of Gulf of Mexico Studies will host: “Oil Spill Science Seminar: Exploring Oil Spill Impacts in the Deep Gulf of Mexico” from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. CST Tuesday, December 8 in Room 127.
Organized by the four Sea Grant programs of the Gulf of Mexico, and co-hosted with the Harte Research Institute at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, the program will feature a panel of experts who will speak about the emerging science, emergency response, and natural resource management relative to the oil spill and its impacts in deep Gulf waters. Among the speakers is HRI's Chair for Ecosystems and Modeling Dr. Paul Montagna, who will talk about the deep ocean “footprint” left by the spill and its impact on deep, soft sediment communities. Facilitated discussion will follow.
To attend in person: This seminar is free and lunch will be provided. If you would like to have lunch, you must register here.
To connect online: This seminar will also be available as a Webinar. To join the Webinar, please dial into the Webex page and also call into the phone number below.
Meeting number: 800 477 181
Meeting password: explore2015
Join by phone
Call in #: 1-888-848-0190
Participant Pin #: 2833702#
Several of the scientists speaking at the event have conducted their research with support from the Gulf of Mexico Research Initiative (GoMRI). GoMRI is a 10-year research program that aims to mitigate the impacts of hydrocarbon pollution and stressors on the marine environment and public health from the spill, as well as improve society’s understanding of oil spill issues. GoMRI provides support to the Sea Grant programs of the Gulf of Mexico (Florida, Mississippi-Alabama, Louisiana and Texas) for an extension and outreach effort to increase the use of oil spill science by people whose livelihoods depend on a healthy Gulf.
This is the 10th Sea Grant oil spill science seminar held this year, with more on the way. To learn more about this program visit gulfseagrant.org. Chris Hale, the Oil Spill Science Outreach Specialist with Texas Sea Grant is coordinating this seminar. Scientists scheduled to appear include Dr. Iliana Baums of Penn State University, who will share research on deep water corals impacted by the DWH oil spill; Dr. Ian MacDonald of Florida State University, who will discuss spill impacts to mesophotic coral reefs (shallower than deep sea corals); Dr. Scott Socolofsky of Texas A&M University, who will talk about use of dispersants at depth and Montagna. Guests Nick Furnari and Brandon Klopfenstein from the Marine Well Containment Company will address technology developed for emergency response to deep well incidents. Superintendent G.P. Schmahl from the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary will describe monitoring and oil spill response efforts in the Sanctuary.