JUNE 26, 2015--On June 24, 2015, a contingent of National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) scientists led by Dr. Mike Fulton from the NCOSS Hollings Marine Laboratory met with OR&R Emergency Response Division scientists to discuss preliminary results from a cooperative research project.

The ongoing study compares two commercially available dispersants for toxicity using a mesocosm approach. This approach is described in an excerpt from the 2013 Hollings Marine Laboratory Annual Report (page 10) :

As opposed to looking at individual species in a laboratory, the mesocosm approach simulates a coastal ecosystem. The systems, consisting of two tanks stacked on top of each other, allow researchers to control water levels creating incoming and outgoing tides just as a coastal tidal creek system would have. Researchers introduced the oil and dispersant – alone and in various types of combinations as might be seen in regions with these types of spills – and tested the effects on the coastal environment, including plants, animals and water quality.

The preliminary results of the testing were presented and discussed. NCOSS will continue the research. Also at this meeting, future joint projects were discussed including a study of shoreline cleaners.

For further information, contact Glen.Watabayashi@noaa.gov.

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