Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Gulf of Mexico - 2010

Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill in the Gulf of Mexico “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times” -- Tale of Two Cities – Dickens Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill in the Gulf of Mexico April 20th explosion killed 11 and injured 17 ~4.9M barrels of oil released by July 15th, when capped Largest marine oil spill in history

Many challenges … but many opportunities to show value!! Extensive damage to marine and wildlife habitats Job, income and other economic losses for Gulf's fishing, tourism and related industries Job, income and other economic losses due to drilling moratorium Drop in real estate prices Many challenges … but many opportunities to show value!!

Extension’s Response Damage Assessment and Assistance Immediate response to issue (diverted formula funds) Extension (SG and CES) in AL, FL, LA, MS and TX Formed 4 task forces – collaboration Damage Assessment and Assistance Family Financial and Stress Management Food Safety and Consumer Confidence Communications

Extension’s Response Key – boots on the ground Used EDEN, MittNet, eXtension TFs wrote joint Special Needs proposal (funded by NIFA for max $200K) Fact sheets, FAQs and Ask the Expert system underway as an eXtension CoP (http://www.extension.org/oil%20spill) Educational materials translated for Vietnamese and Hispanic audiences

Extension’s Response Hazmat training has been provided Claims assistance being provided Seafood sensory safety training workshops - Pascagoula, Baton Rouge, and Gainesville HACCP training provided for primary seafood processors

Extension’s Response Harvest from Open Waters program – safety and consumer confidence Phase I of Peer Listening Training sessions for volunteers held Workshops held dealing with financial and stress management Oil spill economic damage estimates are being developed

Extension’s Response Market Maker and other programs implemented to connect seafood suppliers with seafood buyers Comprehensive proposal being developed Others Extension is making a difference in lives of our people!

The Family Gaines Smith, Paul Coreil, Millie Ferrer- Chancy, Joe Street, and Ed Smith Bobby Fletcher (Project Leader), Jenne Farr (Adm Asst.), Pat Skinner (EDEN), Virginia Morgan (eXtension)

The Family Task Forces Damage Assessment and Assistance (Gail Cramer, LA +13) Family Financial and Stress Management (Paula Threadgill, MS + 9) Food Safety and Consumer Confidence (Steve Otwell, FL + 13) Communications (Frankie Gould + 10)

Cooperation and Accountability Revised federal regulations on multi-state Extension and Integrated Extension and Research State budgets call for efficient use of resources As we help people, remember that it is to our advantage to cooperate in doing so, and to focus on showing that we are accountable within our states and on a multi-state basis.