In response to the ever-growing national implications of the April 20th BP Gulf oil disaster, Waterkeeper Alliance has convened a new committee comprised of veteran Waterkeepers all of whom have direct experience with catastrophic oil spills. The goals of this ad-hoc committee are primarily to support the Gulf Coast Waterkeepers in their immediate response to this event, and also to provide information, guidance, and communications support to the affected Waterkeepers and their communities.
The Committee is chaired by NY/NJ Baykeeper Emeritus Andy Willner, and includes Casco Baykeeper Joe Payne, Cook Inletkeeper Bob Shavelson, Delaware Riverkeeper Maya van Rossum, Narragansett Baykeeper John Torgan, Prince William Soundkeeper Jennifer Gibbons, San Francisco Baykeeper Deb Self, and San Francisco Baykeeper Emeritus Mike Herz. Combined, these Waterkeepers have more than a century of oil spill experience.
“We’re all affected by this spill – responding to it must be a national priority,” said Chair Andy Willner. “We’re pulling together some of the most knowledgeable people in the world on oil spills to make sure we give this our very best effort.”
Among the issues the committee is tackling are public access to Incident Command and information, volunteer management, training, and getting legal and technical guidance and support to the people who need it. The group has been conferencing daily, and will continue to meet as needed throughout the crisis. Waterkeepers are now represented in all of the Incident Command Centers in Louisiana, Alabama, and Florida
Nearly 200 Waterkeepers defend the world’s waters. Our Gulf Waterkeepers are the first line of defense during the ongoing Gulf disaster. Their incredible knowledge of the marshes, wetlands, beaches, and inner-coastal waters make them invaluable first responders. Their commitment makes them critical and effective community leaders. The wealth of scientific, legal and political knowledge and experience our Waterkeepers possess make them true voices of the people and of the environment on which they depend. And their dedication to a full recovery is unmatched. The Gulf Waterkeepers need your help. Please support them by donating, and together, we can Save Our Gulf. Donate and Help Save Our Gulf http://saveourgulf.org/