Media Advisory: The Gulf Oil Disaster: Four Years Later, Visit Oiled Wetlands & Restoration Sites
Media Advisory for Thursday, April 10, 2014
The Gulf Oil Disaster: Four Years Later, Visit Oiled Wetlands & Restoration Sites
Interview and Boat Trip Opportunities
Contact:
Emily Guidry Schatzel, National Wildlife Federation, 225.253.9781, schatzele@nwf.org
Erin Greeson, National Audubon Society, 503.913.8978, egreeson@audubon.org
Elizabeth Skree, Environmental Defense Fund, 202.553.2543, eskree@edf.org
As the fourth memorial of the 2010 Gulf oil disaster approaches, join experts from the Mississippi River Delta Restoration Coalition – Environmental Defense Fund, National Audubon Society, National Wildlife Federation, Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana and the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation – on boat trips in the Louisiana marsh for an on-the-ground view of wildlife and habitat four years post-spill. Visit coastal wetlands that still contain visible BP oil and explore restoration projects that could be funded with oil spill fines.
When the Deepwater Horizon rig exploded, killing 11 men and dumping 200 million gallons of oil into the Gulf, the impacts of the disaster to wildlife and habitat were felt all along the Gulf Coast. Coastal wetlands around the Mississippi River Delta bore the brunt of the oil as it reached shore, affecting both the environment and the economy of Louisiana and the entire Gulf region that depends on the delta.
The long-term effects of the oil disaster may not be fully known for years or even decades to come, but new research released this year has revealed enduring impacts to many species, including Atlantic bluefin tuna, dolphins, sea turtles, seaside sparrows and others. Hear more about current and potential future consequences of the disaster with experts in science, wildlife and restoration.
To participate in the boat trips, you must RSVP to Emily Guidry Schatzel by Monday, April 7 at 225.253.9781. Boats will be leaving from Myrtle Grove Marina — a 45-minute drive from New Orleans.
Boat Trip Details:
WHEN: Thursday, April 10, 2014
WHERE: Louisiana’s Barataria Bay and Bay Jimmy, sites that remain oiled from the Gulf oil disaster
WHO: David Muth, Director, Mississippi River Delta Restoration, National Wildlife Federation
Alisha Renfro, Ph.D., Coastal Scientist, National Wildlife Federation
Erik Johnson, Ph.D., Director of Bird Conservation, Audubon Louisiana
RSVP: To reserve a space, you must RSVP by Monday, April 7 to Emily Guidry Schatzel at 225.253.9781.
Interview Opportunities: If you are unable to make the boat trip on April 10, interview opportunities are available with experts in science, policy, wildlife and restoration issues from our national and local conservation organizations.
Restoration Experts:
David Muth, Director for Mississippi River Delta Restoration, National Wildlife Federation
Douglas J. Meffert, D. Env., MBA, Executive Director, National Audubon Society (Audubon Louisiana)
Steve Cochran, Director for Mississippi River Delta Restoration, Environmental Defense Fund
Simone Maloz, Executive Director, Restore or Retreat
Science:
John A. Lopez, Ph.D., Executive Director, Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation
Alisha Renfro, Ph.D., Coastal Scientist, Mississippi River Delta Restoration, National Wildlife Federation
Policy:
Cynthia Duet, Director of Governmental Relations, National Audubon Society (Audubon Louisiana)
Courtney Taylor, Policy Director, Land, Water & Wildlife Program, Environmental Defense Fund
Sara Gonzalez-Rothi Kronenthal, Senior Policy Specialist, Protecting and Restoring Coasts and Floodplains, National Wildlife Federation
Business Impacts:
Jim Wyerman, Director of Strategic Partnerships & Communications, Environmental Defense Fund
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WHO WE ARE: The Restore the Mississippi River Delta coalition is working to protect people, wildlife and jobs by reconnecting the river with its wetlands. As our region faces the crisis of threatening land loss, we offer science-based solutions through a comprehensive approach to restoration. Comprised of conservation, policy, science and outreach experts from Environmental Defense Fund, National Audubon Society, National Wildlife Federation, Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana and Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation, we are located in Houma, New Orleans and Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Washington, D.C.; and around the United States. See more at www.mississippiriverdelta.org.