Oil Spill Science Seminar: Bridging the Gap

Bridging the Gap Between Oil Spill Researchers and Responders Workshop
April 14, 2015 – Port Aransas, TX

Fostering emergency responder and university researcher collaboration: Workshop summary report

This workshop was co-hosted by the Gulf of Mexico Sea Grant Oil Spill Outreach Team and the Mission-Aransas National Estuarine Research Reserve. The purpose of this workshop was to share emerging oil spill science and encourage communication between researchers, natural resource managers, and emergency responders. There were presentations from scientists and emergency responders, as well as a panel session in the afternoon.

Click image to the left to read the final workshop series report.

The workshop was held at the Mission-Aransas National Estuarine Research Reserve in Port Aransas, TX. Credit - University of TX
The workshop was held at the Mission-Aransas National Estuarine Research Reserve in Port Aransas, TX. Credit – University of TX

Dr. Antonietta Quigg presented about the formation and transport of marine snow and the future work of the ADDOMEx consortia.

Dr. Ed Buskey presented some of the latest science that is coming out of the DROPPS consortium. He spoke about the breakup of crude oil and showed videos that demonstrated the effects of waves and raindrops on surface oil film. He also talked about the toxic effects of oil and dispersants on phytoplankton.

Dr. Brad Gemmell, also part of the DROPPS consortium, presented about his oil spill science team’s experience with the Galveston Bay/Texas City Y oil spill in of 2014, and the importance of prompt and organized data collection at spill sites.

From left to right. Dr. Buskey, Dr. Quigg, and Dr. Gemmell. Credit: University of TX
From left to right. Dr. Buskey, Dr. Quigg, and Dr. Gemmell. Credit: University of TX

Lt. Commander Patrick Marshall (USCG) and Jimmy Martinez (Regional Director for South Texas Coastal Zone Oil Spill Prevention & Response Division Texas General Land Office) presented about how they operate, the safety concerns, and the planning and response techniques during a spill.

NOAA Scientific Support Coordinator, Paige Doelling, presented about NOAA’s structure and approach to spill response, including an overview of NOAA’s oil spill response tools, preparedness, and planning.

Jimmy Martinez, Paige Doelling, and Lt. Marshall (not pictured) represented the emergency responders and brought their knowledge and expertise about the response and planning techniques for oil spills. Credit: University of TX
Jimmy Martinez, Paige Doelling, and Lt. Marshall (not pictured) represented the emergency responders and brought their knowledge and expertise about the response and planning techniques for oil spills. Credit: University of TX

The panel session sparked a productive discussion among all those in attendance.  Scientists and emergency responders were able to clearly communicate their needs and form partnerships with one another. The emergency responders shared useful information and suggestions on how to get involved with future spills.

From left to right: Dr. Buskey, Dr. Gemmell, Lt. Marshall, Jimmy Martinez, Dr. Quigg, and Paige Doelling. Credit: University of TX
From left to right: Dr. Buskey, Dr. Gemmell, Lt. Marshall, Jimmy Martinez, Dr. Quigg, and Paige Doelling. Credit: University of TX