Experts from the Southern University Ag Center have been working aggressively to aid in the oil spill catastrophe.  Below gives a brief synopsis of their plan of action in various areas.

WHAT HAS BEEN DONE?

1. Scientists from SUAREC and SU Environmental Toxicology conducted

a site visit to the affected region to conduct initial assessment of the

situation.

2. Scientists and Extension Specialists from SUAREC have developed

educational materials for dissemination on the following topics:

i. Potential impact of the oil spill on human health

ii. Protective clothing.

A website is currently being developed to reflect those educational

materials.

3. Scientists are testing oil sorbency of kenaf and other biobased

materials for oil spill cleanup.

4. Scientists have collated maps and satellite imagery of the affected

region.

FUTURE PLAN OF ACTION:

With available resources, SUAREC will do the following:

1. Provide educational materials on the following topics:

    Ecosystem restoration

    Water quality

    Family and community welfare

    Food safety

    Protective clothing

    Human health

    Nutrition

2. Partner with various governmental and non-governmental agencies

for training and any other pertinent issues.

3. Provide maps and remote sensing imagery.

4. Provide expert advice on various topics such as:

a. Ecosystem restoration

b. Nutrition and health

c. Family wellness

d. Livestock Production

e. Water quality

f. Protective clothing

g. Food safety

h. Biosecurity

With adequate appropriations, SUAREC plans to do the following:

1. Deliver educational programs directly to underserved communities.

2. Conduct in-depth assessment and develop remediation/mitigation

strategies for the affected communities in the following areas:

A. Coastal ecosystem restoration with emphasis on the following:

i. Water quality

ii. Environnemental conservation

iii. Habitat assessment regarding environmental factors

(soil, water, and air).

iv. Biodiversity and phytoremediation.

B. Family and community welfare with emphasis on the following:

i. Human health

ii. Nutrition

iii. Food safety

iv. Protective clothing

v. Emergency preparedness

vi. Biosecurity

C. Economic impact assessment on small businesses

D. Bio-based materials for oil spill cleanup/remediation/mitigation

E. Short-term and long-term effects of the oil spill on livestock

production.