Two members of OR&R's Emergency Restoration Division attended a week-long training workshop at U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) headquarters in Washington, D.C. during the week of August 4, 2014.

The workshop goals were to provide attendees from USCG districts and other federal representatives involved in oil spill contingency planning and response information about various federally mandated consultation requirements. The course reviewed the National Response System, the Endangered Species Act, the Marine Mammal Protection Act, the Magnuson Stevens Act, the National Marine Sanctuaries Act, and the National Historic Preservation Act. Additionally, presentations covered:

• spill planning consultation efforts under the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MOA) between the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Fish and Wildlife and National Marine Fisheries;
  
• practical cases and applicable law;
  
• graduate student effort to implement the MOA procedures; and
  
• overviews of OR&R activities relative to planning, response, and post response.
  

During the week there were discussions and proposals made for best ways to meet consultation requirements at national, regional, and local levels. These proposals will be used to help guide efforts of a committee to work at the National Response Team level to address the consultation requirements and issues.

For further information, contact Brad.Benggio@noaa.gov

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