The marine research conducted by the University of South Florida and other Florida universities is critical to understanding the scope of the damage caused by the BP Deepwater Horizon disaster. The $11 million awarded today to the consortia led by USF is vital  in the ongoing effort to address the environmental and ecological implications of the BP blowout. Rightfully, the research money comes from BP and not taxpayers. The award highlights the need for a coordinated response to remedy the long-term economic and environmental damage caused to the State of Florida, our small business owners and marine ecosystem.  Another benefit of the grants announced today is investments in valuable technicians, researchers, project managers and scientists – jobs that are important to the dynamic State of Florida. That is good news for our economy and our environment.