In 2010, the Deepwater Horizon oil spill occurred approximately 41 miles off Louisiana’s coastline, releasing more than 172 million gallons of crude oil into the surrounding waters. Nearly 1.8 million gallons of dispersant were applied at the water’s surface and at the wellhead more than one mile down, marking the first use of subsea dispersants. With scientific questions looming due to the unprecedented nature of the spill and response, the Gulf of Mexico Research Initiative (GoMRI) funded $500 million in spill-related research and outreach activities. As the ten-year Gulf of Mexico Research Initiative wraps up, join GoMRI in hearing from oil spill science outreach specialists on the major scientific findings.

Climate change threatens key life support systems on our planet, especially our oceans. Even with drastic global actions to reduce emissions, changes in the ocean will grow more profound and accelerate. These changes won’t just damage special places like coral reefs and mangrove forests, they will fundamentally alter ocean ecosystems and the fisheries therein. However, with thoughtful interventions, these impacts can be significantly reduced, and perhaps even reversed. This interactive discussion will examine the interventions necessary for sustainable fisheries in a climate-driven Gulf of Mexico.

Seaside Chats is an annual speaker series about ocean topics associated with Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary and the Gulf of Mexico. These presentations take place on Wednesday evenings in February, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. (Central Time)

Parks and Natural Areas Awards

The skeletons of massive corals grow in layers, similar to tree rings, that can be counted to determine the years of growth. Scientists can look at the chemistry of each of these layers to see what the water temperature was when that part of the coral skeleton was growing, as well as other indicators of environmental conditions. By stringing together these yearly skeletal records, scientists can chronicle how the ocean and the coral reef have changed over time

Seaside Chats is an annual speaker series about ocean topics associated with Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary and the Gulf of Mexico. These presentations take place on Wednesday evenings in February, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. (Central Time)

Calling people of all faiths, or no faith at all, to care for our shared environment!  We will remove trash polluting a shoreline along Galveston Bay in Kemah, helping to restore the beautiful bay ecosystem and learn about pollution prevention at home. This event will offer activities for all ages and skill levels, so bring the whole family! Supplies will be provided. You just need your mask, sun protection, a reusable water bottle, and closed-toe shoes. This beach clean-up is organized by the Interfaith Environmental Network of Houston in partnership with Galveston Bay Foundation. The event will be limited to 20 participants in two separate groups of 10 and social distancing guidelines will be followed. Registration for this event is limited and required for participation. Contact Lisa Brenskelle at gcs.lrc@gmail.com or Sasha Francis at sfrancis@galvbay.org for more information.

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