Florida Independent

Task force releases final strategy for reversing damage from oil spill

By Virginia Chamlee | 12.05.11 | 3:07 pm

The Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Task Force today released its final strategy for long-term ecosystem restoration for the region most affected by the 2009 BP Deepwater Horizon disaster, which sent more than 20 million gallons of oil into the gulf. The announcement follows extensive feedback from citizens throughout the region, and was developed following more than 40 public meetings.

Gulf restoration briefing to be held Nov. 16

By Virginia Chamlee | 11.11.11 | 11:18 am

A briefing to discuss efforts to restore ecological and economic vitality to the Gulf of Mexico will be held on Wed., Nov. 16, and will feature a host of panelists and lawmakers from all the states affected by last year’s massive BP oil spill.

Report: BP winding down oil spill cleanup

By Virginia Chamlee | 11.09.11 | 4:15 pm

According to a plan approved by the Coast Guard and obtained by the Associated Press, BP will no longer be responsible for the cleanup of any oil washing up on Gulf of Mexico shores, unless officials can prove it came from the BP well that blew out in 2010, killing 11 workers and sending more than 20 million gallons of oil into the gulf.

Gulf dolphin deaths deemed ‘unusual mortality event’

By Virginia Chamlee | 10.28.11 | 11:52 am

Several reports out today detail the bacterial infection behind a string of dolphin deaths that have occurred since last year’s Gulf of Mexico oil spill. Brucellosis, a bacterial infection, has been identified in at least five of 21 tests of stranded dolphins.

Obama administration approves BP’s plan to drill in the Gulf of Mexico

By Virginia Chamlee | 10.25.11 | 3:06 pm

The Obama administration has approved BP’s first plan to drill for oil in the gulf since last year’s Deepwater Horizon disaster, which left 11 dead and damaged the gulf ecosystem and the economies of the states that border it. Representatives for the Gulf Restoration Network say the decision is “problematic,” considering the fact that comprehensive safety legislation has yet to be passed through Congress.

State officials defend Florida seafood against charges of inadequate testing

By Virginia Chamlee | 10.20.11 | 9:54 am

Despite recent reports suggesting the FDA’s screening process for gulf seafood contaminants leaves room for improvement, state officials remain confident in the product’s safety.

Environmental group questions safety of gulf seafood

By Virginia Chamlee | 10.18.11 | 10:10 am

Though the state Department of Agriculture has begun ramping up its campaign to educate Floridians about the safety of gulf seafood, some remain unconvinced that it is as safe for consumption as the Food and Drug Administration has claimed.

Consortium for Ocean Leadership to host gulf restoration roundtable in D.C. next week

By Virginia Chamlee | 10.07.11 | 1:38 pm

The Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Task Force on Wednesday released its comprehensive preliminary strategy for long-term restoration. Next Tuesday, the Consortium for Ocean Leadership and COMPASS (Communication Partnership for Science and the Sea) will host a roundtable discussion to further delve into the strategy, and discuss what can be done on a policy level. The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation will be sponsoring the event.

Task force unveils Gulf of Mexico ecosystem restoration strategy

By Virginia Chamlee | 10.06.11 | 7:54 am

The Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Task Force yesterday released its comprehensive preliminary strategy for long-term restoration. The strategy, which will be presented to President Obama at the end of a period of public review and feedback, aims to address long-standing issues contributing to the decline of the gulf ecosystem.

Coast Guard: New gulf oil sheen may be from sunken Transocean rig

By Virginia Chamlee | 09.30.11 | 3:57 pm

Sightings of a very large sheen of oil in the Gulf of Mexico have had coastal residents and fishermen worried for over a month. But in a statement issued yesterday, the Coast Guard says the sheen is not from BP’s now-capped Macondo well, which caused harm to both Florida’s environment and economy last year.