Latest news: March 29, 2012

Gulf Coast restoration money in limbo
By Jordan Blum, The Advocate (Baton Rouge, La.). March 29, 2012.
“WASHINGTON — Federal transportation legislation that contains key money for Gulf Coast states and coastal restoration is staring down a Saturday deadline for government spending…” (Read more)

Louisiana Oystermen Still Struggling Two Years After Oil Spill
By Tala Hadavi, Voice of America. March 28, 2012.
“Almost two years ago an explosion on an offshore drilling rig killed 11 men and sent 4.9 million barrels of oil gushing into the Gulf of Mexico. The result was the worst environmental disaster in United States history. Of all the local businesses affected by the spill, Louisiana’s once-flourishing oyster industry is probably in the worst condition. Oysters are still scarce and consumers are still afraid to eat them…” (Read more)

NOAA Scientists Confirm BP Oil Spill Harms Dolphins and Deep-Sea Corals
Voice of America News. March 28, 2012.
“U.S.-based marine scientists say bottlenose dolphins and deep-sea corals in the northern Gulf of Mexico, where the massive Deepwater Horizon oil spill occurred two years ago this April, are showing signs of severe stress from their prolonged exposure to the polluted water…” (Read more)

Wetlands group, chamber vow to partner for coastal restoration
By Cara Bayles, Houma Courier (Houma, La.). March 28, 2012.
“Advocates speaking at the Houma-Terrebonne Chamber of Commerce’s monthly banquet Tuesday called for business and environmental interests to join forces and fight coastal erosion…” (Read more)

Writer tells of his travels along Bayou Lafourche
By Bill Elzey, Houma Courier. March 28, 2012.
“The Creoles talk French altogether among themselves; some even cannot talk English. They were very hospitable. Two homes I visited in had great four-post canopied beds in their front rooms; heirlooms, doubtless. The little barefooted children looked bright and happy, and just made me homesick…” (Read more)