The successful mission of the University of South Florida’s Weatherbird II, and the ongoing gusher, highlight the need for a commitment to long-term monitoring, data gathering and research, Congresswoman Kathy Castor said today. To protect and prepare Florida from the impact of oil in our waters and on our shores, Castor is working for more robust marine science research funding in the supplemental appropriations legislation that is being considered by Congress over the next couple of weeks. The money would help support USF’s researchers continue their modeling and observation work, especially as USF researchers now confirm the oil is entrained in the loop current and massive underwater plumes have been discovered.

“Researchers analyzed the oil slick, collected water samples and observed the extent to which marine life is being affected by the disaster,” Castor said. “They are to be commended for a job well done.

“Oceanographers at the University of South Florida’s College of Marine Science have been at the forefront of researching the loop current and oil spill monitoring,” Castor continued. “We must keep USF at the forefront of this cutting-edge research and supply them with the resources they need to conduct accurate and objective scientific studies. I am committed to helping USF researchers have the tools they need to carry out their next mission.

“All indications are that the oil is getting into the loop current, which could have devastating repercussions on Florida,” Castor said. “This could be an impending disaster for Florida’s Dry Tortugas National Park, the Everglades and the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. These are simply the most unique and diverse ecosystems in the world and a linchpin to our tourism industry, our fishing industry and our way of life in Florida.”

In a letter (attached) to Speaker Pelosi, Castor outlined USF’s funding needs for more data collection, observing and monitoring. USF researchers rely on data collected from buoys deployed off the coast. At one time, there were 14 buoys deployed in the Gulf. Now there are just four.

“This monitoring is crucial to preparing response and recovery efforts throughout our state,” Castor wrote. “But they have a critical need for more funding to continue these operations.”

Also, last week, Castor exacted a pledge from BP’s president that he would work with her and other high-level Florida officials to address the impact of the Deepwater Horizon oil disaster on the state and its hard-working residents. A follow-up letter is attached. The $25 million that BP announced today it is sending to Florida isn’t sufficient, Castor said. “The $25 million is a small amount for Florida’s businesses that are suffering from fear of the oil hitting our shores.”

In her letter, Castor wrote: “There may be a path forward for BP to ensure Floridians and Florida’s businesses recover any losses as a result of this disastrous oil disaster. It is difficult to put a price on economic or ecological harm at this point, but I appreciate that BP has repeatedly expressed a willingness to repair the harm to our economy and our environment from the devastating consequences of the Deepwater Horizon oil disaster.”