Florida Actively Coordinating and Responding to the Deepwater Horizon Incident

With 110,000 acres of sensitive mangroves, estuaries and fish hatcheries to protect, the Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve is paying close attention to the developments related to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Here, the Friends of Rookery Bay provides a brief overview of plans, how you can help, and where to get more information.

Under the leadership of Governor Charlie Crist, the State Emergency Response Team and the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), along with federal and local partners are actively coordinating and responding to the Deepwater Horizon incident.

As a reserve within the Coastal and Aquatic Managed Areas division of DEP, Rookery Bay NERR is conducting “pre-event” research to have updated and extensive data regarding water quality, species counts and other related environmental factors. Rookery Bay NERR scientists and researchers are conducting this work. In addition, planning, mapping and training procedures are being reviewed and prepared.

The threat of an impact on our environment is a good reminder of how important this ecosystem is to all of us. To learn more about the Friends of Rookery Bay and how we support the mission of Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, visit www.rookerybay.org/become-a-member/friends-of-rookery-bay.

Good sources for additional and ongoing information:

Rookery Bay website

Florida DEP oil response website

Deepwater Horizon Response website

NOAA information about the oil spill