Athens, Ga. – A team of researchers from the University of Georgia and other institutions is returning to the Gulf of Mexico to assess the environmental impacts of the 2010 Deepwater Horizon blowout that discharged roughly 5 million gallons of oil into the ocean over a period of 84 days.
Using the U.S. Navy’s newly upgraded human-occupied deep submergence vehicle, Alvin, scientists will view the ocean floor, record observations through high-definition cameras, and collect water and sediment samples during the monthlong research cruise. This cruise is the first research voyage with the upgraded Alvin and is funded by the National Science Foundation and the Gulf of Mexico Research Initiative.
Prior to departure, members of the research team, including UGA marine scientist and Deepwater Horizon expert Samantha Joye, will host a media day on the R/V Atlantis dockside in the Port of Gulfport, Miss., on March 29 from 2 to 5 p.m.
Journalists will be able to:
• Interview Samantha Joye and other members of the research team.
• Tour the R/V Atlantis, Alvin’s mother ship and primary vessel for the cruise.
• See and photograph/video the newly upgraded Alvin and speak with the expedition leaders about its capabilities.
• Take photos/video of the Atlantis’ research facilities.
Because this is a secure port, journalists must submit their name, date of birth and press affiliation no later than March 25 to James Hataway (jhataway@uga.edu, 706-542-5222) to obtain clearance to enter the port on media day.