Oil Spill Information

Deep Water Horizon Oil Spill
Posted June 24, 2010

For links and updates on the Deep Water Horizon Oil Spill, go to:
http://oilspill.fsu.edu/ . Click on the “Useful Links” tab for other sites with specific information, including NOAA.

Information provided by Dr. Quinton White, Jacksonville University.

Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA) Sampling Tools

Posted June 24, 2010

For sampling protocols and other information on the Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA) being conducted by FDEP to measure pre-spill conditions, visit http://www.nrdata.org/.

Information provided by Nicole Love, Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve.

Potential Projects to Receive Oil Spill Response Funding
Posted June 25, 2010
Respond by COB June 30, 2010.

Below please find some information about getting on the list of potential projects for oil spill response funding.  If you have projects that fit the descriptions below and would like to submit them to Fish & Wildlife Service, please read the guidance, fill out the spreadsheet to the best of your ability, and email it back  to Debbie Devore at Debbie_Devore@fws.gov by COB, June 30th. 
Thanks to Bob Day at the IRL Estuary Program.

Spreadsheet: Gulf Coast Project Workbook.xls

Projects should be grouped in the following categories based on the general criteria provided here.  

Immediate Response – Projects that involve preventing the spread of oil and related contaminants into additional habitats or creating safe havens or refugia for fish, wildlife and plant species.  These projects should be in the immediate area of the spill or in areas eminently threatened by the spill. (This means permits and other authorizations in hand)

Minimize/Mitigate Impacts – Projects designed to minimize or mitigate impacts of the spill but are a degree removed from being considered an immediate response.  These projects would typically augment available habitat so that migrating birds, fish, and other wildlife have healthy, safe habitats to use and are therefore less pressured to enter impacted habitats.   Refuges should consider projects from their RONS and SAMMS inventories that could increase the quantity or quality of available habitats.  All programs should consider partnerships with other Federal conservation agencies, especially NRCS and FSA, States, corporations, NGO’s and private landowners to create or improve additional habitats.  Projects must describe a clear expectation to minimize or mitigate negative impacts to an important species or species group.  These projects should be divided into two subcategories:

Tier 1 Short-term Projects – Projects that could be completed within 60 days of the time funding is made available.  

Tier 2 Mid-term Projects – Projects that could be completed within 61 to 180 days of the time funding is made available.  

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