Scientists conducted a year-long mesocosm experiment to assess if the expansion of tropical black mangroves (Avicennia germinans) into Gulf of Mexico saltmarshes dominated by temperate cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora) affected marsh response to oiling.
The Gulf of Mexico Research Initiative (GoMRI) is pleased to announce the release of Gulf of Mexico Research Initiative: Research Resulting from the 2010 Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill, a special issue of Current: The Journal of Marine Education.
The Sea Lab’s Outreach Coordinator contributes to synthesis on Deepwater Horizon oil spill – MAY 7, 2019 (From EurekAlert! / May 7, 2019) The Sea Lab’s Discovery Hall Programs Outreach Coordinator Rachel McDonald’s work conducting outreach on ACER’s research is featured in a special issue of the Gulf of Mexico Research Initiative’s (GoMRI) Current: The…
Researchers conducted mesocosm experiments that examined how juvenile eastern oysters respond to salinity variations in the presence of oil and dispersed oil.
Sharing science can be lots of fun, especially during events that have a light-hearted atmosphere where people gather for a good time. This past year, researchers and outreach staff from consortia funded by the Gulf of Mexico Research Initiative participated in a variety of events to share ocean and marine science that’s being used to study the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
Nikaela Flournoy’s scientific journey has always carried a societal tie, from her passion for research’s social relevance to her realizations about the relationship between society and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math). Though she is excited to see a greater emphasis on STEM in primary and secondary education, she hopes to help expand STEM awareness and curriculum to students from diverse educational and social backgrounds.
Major environmental disturbances such as oil spills can alter a marine ecosystem’s structure and even cause species losses or additions in impacted areas – changes which may have long-term consequences for an ecosystem’s functions.
ACER investigates biodiversity’s role in oil spill recovery – Disturbances to coastal environments, such as storms and pollution, cause great concern as these areas are typically heavily populated, are home to important industries, and provide critical ecosystem services. Ecologists have debated coastal ecosystems response to disturbances for decades.