New England Scientific Support Coordinator Provides Oil Observation Tips
MAY 17, 2021 — On Thursday, May 6, NOAA Scientific Support and Regional Preparedness Coordinator William Whitmore discussed on-the-water oil identification to the Friends of Casco Bay, a volunteer organization that works to preserve and protect the environmental health of Casco Bay, Maine.
The virtual presentation explained what oil spill indicators volunteer Water Reporters could look for, as well as how to report and describe spilled oil to state and federal response organizations. The goal of the presentation was to give volunteer Water Reporters greater confidence in identifying and delineating spilled oil from other natural water conditions or events. Bryant Lewis from Maine Division of Marine Resources provided additional guidance on identifying and reporting harmful algal blooms. Approximately two dozen volunteers attended the presentations, which one board member described as a “grand slam home run.”
For more information contact William.Whitmore@noaa.gov.