BP is picking up the ecology and environmental research bill for the Gulf Coast. This is in response to growing concerns about the unknown long term affects of the oil spill on the Gulf Coast region coast lines and wildlife. BP announced a $500 million dollar investment in research in June and the creation of the Gulf of Mexico Research Initiative.
$500 Million Dollar Research Effort
BP has made a $500 million dollar effort in response to the US government and the public concern for the affects of the oil spill. Over the next ten years, BP will distribute funds to Gulf Shore entities that respond to proposals for independent research to "investigate the impacts of the oil, dispersed oil, and the dispersant on the ecosystems of the Gulf of Mexico".
The first increment of $25 million dollars has been dispersed to Louisiana State University , Florida Institute of Oceanography hosted by the University of South Florida, and the North Gulf Institute which is affiliated with Mississippi State University. BP made this announcement 15 June 2010. Many other updates can be found on the BP website as well.
Independent GRI Advisory Council
Louisiana State has proven experience in the oil industry, as well as the Gulf of Mexico. Florida Institute of Oceanography has marine scientists from 20 institutions. BP has also set up an "advisory council" that will oversea the research and spending of the funds. This is comprised of scientists from around the world.
The investment in research is two fold. First, the aftermath of the spill needs to be monitored. Secondly, technological advances need to be made in the areas of prevention and clean up, as well as safety measures. Research undoubtedly will be a joint multi-discipline collaboration from various departments to include biology, oceanography, and engineering at the various universities along the Gulf Coast. This is highlighted in the angst to know exactly why the containment was slow and acknowledged in some of the early reports. The New York Times quoted Sylvia Earle, explaining there is a "lack of studies". This was an article written in May 2010, by Justin Gillis.
The White House has created a blog with the government updates and responses to Deepwater. The site hosts information on volunteering, jobs, and claims for assistance. The President, First Lady and Vice President have all been to Louisiana and are involved in efforts to clean up and stabilize the region.
Tobey Strauch - I graduated from Iowa State University with a Masters in Industrial Systems Engineering. I have traveled around the world to England, ...
