Mexico BP oil spill disaster when predominantly treated with the industry’s favorite spill killer--Corexit™. Originally developed by ExxonMobil, it is a toxic, hydrocarbon-based, oil-dispersant agent. “These faulty guidelines and ineffective remedies for spill problems have resulted in industry officials with a 25-year addiction to chemical dispersants used in our oceans and who mistakenly think that these are the best tools for managing environmental damage and profit loss from oil spill fines,” said Diane Wagenbrenner, one of the paper’s joint authors and Advisory Board member of LAEO. The analysis makes an undeniable case that the use of chemical dispersant violates the Clean Water Act by contaminating the water column and seabed. Alongside publishing its industry guidance reform paper, LAEO launched a government and public education and awareness campaign on 20 April coinciding with the third-year anniversary of the start of the BP Gulf Oil Spill and Earth Month. The position paper and their ‘earth troops’ Oil Spill Response Action Kit can be found at www.protectmarinelifenow.org OCEANA If Oceana was of the marine world, it would be the giant of the sea. Founded in 2001 by a number of foundations as an attempt to remedy the paucity of resources dedicated to ocean advocacy in the United States, Oceana was birthed with the vision that it would be solely dedicated to ocean conservation on a global scale. Oceana is now the largest international with offices in North America, South America, and Europe, which all collaborate on strategic, direct campaigns. Science is paramount in identifying problems and solutions. Oceana’s team of Scientists combined with the collective efforts of a team of
economists, lawyers and advocates enables them to provide tangible results for our oceans. Oceana honors others who advocate for the common goal by hosting the annual Ocean Hero Awards, with the 5th annual awards underway. After carefully reviewing hundreds of nominations for some of America’s most exceptional ocean stewards, Oceana selected an outstanding group of six adult finalists and six junior finalists hailing from all corners of the U.S. The public was invited to choose this year’s adult and junior winners by voting online. Lifelong ocean hero and Oceana senior advisor Alexandra Cousteau said, “I’ve been lucky enough to be around Ocean Heroes, like my grandfather Jacques Cousteau, my whole life. What I’ve learned is this: ocean heroes are everywhere. People young and old are working tirelessly to protect our seas all over the world. Oceana has selected an amazing group of finalists for this year’s Ocean Hero Awards, so please take a look at their stories and vote for the hero that inspires you the most.” To learn more about each finalist’s story and to vote for your favorites, visit www.oceana.org/heroes
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