Implementing Best Available Science in Restoration
University of Southern Mississippi, Gulf Park Campus, Long Beach, MS, August 2013
Objectives: The 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill (DHOS) underscored the intrinsic link between the economy and the natural resources of the Gulf of Mexico. In the wake of the spill, Gulf citizens continued to support focusing the majority of funds paid by responsible parties on ecosystem restoration, both to repair and compensate for damages, and sustain Gulf ecosystems and economy. A long-term vision for Gulf ecosystem restoration and sustainability requires sound science to plan, implement and evaluate project success. Our goal in the Gulf Restoration Science workshop was to engage restoration program leads, scientists and managers to identify actions that promote: 1) integration of the “best available science” (BAS) for ecosystem restoration and adaptive management, and 2) engagement of restoration science program leaders and stakeholders (including restoration practitioners, resource managers, scientists, and decision-makers).
Outputs:
- Workshop report
- Plenary talks:
- 8/12, L. McKinney, Harte Research Inst.: Workshop Goals– Principles and Actions for Implementing Best Available Science
- 8/12, G. Steyer, USGS: Gulf Ecosystem Restoration Task Force Science for Restoration and Adaptive Management
- 8/12, R. Johnson: Science-Based Restoration in the Greater Everglades Ecosystem
- 8/12, C.P. Peterson, UNC-Chapel Hill: Science-Based Restoration of the Gulf of Mexico (including lessons from Exxon Valdez)
- 8/13, L. Swann, MS/AL Sea Grant: Engagement as an Organizing Concept
Objectives: The 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill (DHOS) underscored the intrinsic link between the economy and the natural resources of the Gulf of Mexico. In the wake of the spill, Gulf citizens continued to support focusing the majority of funds paid by responsible parties on ecosystem restoration, both to repair and compensate for damages, and sustain Gulf ecosystems and economy. A long-term vision for Gulf ecosystem restoration and sustainability requires sound science to plan, implement and evaluate project success. Our goal in the Gulf Restoration Science workshop was to engage restoration program leads, scientists and managers to identify actions that promote: 1) integration of the “best available science” (BAS) for ecosystem restoration and adaptive management, and 2) engagement of restoration science program leaders and stakeholders (including restoration practitioners, resource managers, scientists, and decision-makers).