Tip:
Highlight text to annotate it
X
In 2010 when the deep water horizon oil spill devastated the gulf of Mexico it caused extensive
damage to wildlife habitats and marine environments, but researchers from Mississippi universities
were the first on the scene; identifying the spills effects below the water surface. Three
years later Governor Phil Bryant has ensured that Mississippi will remain a leader in Gulf
research by naming The University of Southern Mississippi Center for Gulf Studies as the
restore research center of excellence for the state of Mississippi. The research consortium
will also include partnerships with The University of Mississippi, Jackson State University,
and Mississippi State University. So today we've designated the Center for Gulf Studies
as our center of excellence in Mississippi, we had the foundation already and we will
continue to build upon it. Now, as we see the future of the restore act move forward.
We are prepared to respond immediately with our research universities, I believe the best
in the country. Following the BP oil spill congress established the restore act to direct
clean water act penalties collected from responsible parties to the gulf states impacted by the
deep water horizon disaster. The restore act directs 2.5% of its' funds to research centers
of excellence in each of the 5 gulf states. As soon as the restore act is in place we
will begin our research. We will be waiting on them, never let it be said that they had
to wait on Mississippi. The results of studies conducted by the center will be shared with
other scientists, agencies, and research groups to enhance coastal resource management and
develop practical applications that can drive technology innovation and business. President
elect of The University of Southern Mississippi, Dr. Rodney Bennett, believes that Southern
Miss is on the cutting edge of ocean science. The Center for Gulf Studies understands the
history of this disaster and its impact on future research. We have been there since
the beginning, and we will continue to be there; working with dozens of university scientists
across the state to examine the impact of the oil spill on the Gulf ecosystem. From
The University of Southern Mississippi, I'm Jazmyne Butler.