Mystic Aquarium experts to talk about BP spill

MYSTIC – Sea Research Foundation has been working collaboratively since May with key institutions in the Gulf region to assist with oil spill efforts and will hold a live Web panel from 6 to 7 p.m. on July 7 to offer up-to-date information on the oil spill from Sea Research staff.
Accessible through immersionlearning.org/webinars, the roundtable will include Public Conservation Programs Manager MaryEllen Mateleska; Stranding Coordinator Janelle Schuh; and Staff Veterinarian and Director of Animal Care Dr. Allison Tuttle, the foundation said in a statement.
Vice President of Education Kelly Matis will serve as moderator and the group will provide an overview of the oil spill and Sea Research Foundation's involvement in Mystic and Louisiana, as well as show how oil affects various marine animals and coastal habitats, the statement said. Viewers will have an opportunity to submit questions before and during the discussion, the statement said.
Mateleska and Tuttle recently traveled to Louisiana to participate in the Consortium for Ocean Leadership, the statement said. During the consortium, they joined approximately 200 scientists to hear what had been learned about the spill the statement said.
After the consortium, Tuttle traveled to New Orleans to assist the Audubon Nature Institute in rehabilitating oiled sea turtles, the statement said. For three days, Tuttle helped stabilize about 30 turtles after the oil was removed, primarily monitoring blood parameters and food intake, administering fluids to keep them hydrated and helping flush out their gastrointestinal tracts, the statement said.
“We are committed to assisting with the Gulf situation in whatever way we can,” Dr. Stephen M. Coan, president and CEO of Sea Research Foundation, said in the statement. “Dr. Tuttle made direct contributions through her work, and Dr. Robert Ballard has been consulted regularly on efforts to cap the well. But whatever we are doing pales in comparison to the incredible efforts being undertaken by the Coast Guard and NOAA personnel, as well as our colleagues from Gulf Coast institutions who are on the scene daily. We remain ready to relieve and augment their efforts."
President Barack Obama appointed Terry Garcia, Sea Research Foundation trustee and executive vice president for mission programs at National Geographic Society, to the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill and Offshore Drilling Commission, the statement said.
Information on the Gulf Coast, the effect of oil on marine animals and how people can help protect oceans is available at mysticaquarium.org, the statement said. At Immersion Learning’s Web site (immersionlearning.org) and Facebook page, kids can find up-to-the-minute news coverage on the oil spill.

Mystic Aquarium, Institute for Exploration and Immersion Learning are divisions of Sea Research Foundation, Inc., a private, non-profit 501(c)3 organization. The mission of Sea Research is to inspire people to care for and protect our ocean planet through education, research and exploration, the statement said.

Editor's note: the information in this post was wholly provided by Mystic Aquarium