BP Oil Spill Trial Postponed
By Matt Gutman and Seni Tienabeso, ABC News. Feb. 27, 2012
"Myrtle Grove, La. – Less than 24 hours before the environmental “trail of the century” was set to begin, the presiding judge, BP and lawyers representing a coalition of plaintiffs agreed to postpone the start a week in order to allow room for a possible settlement, which is a tricky proposition for the oil giant…" (read more)

Letters: Congress should pass Gulf Restore Act
By Judy Steckler (Partnership for Gulf Coast Land Conservation), The Advocate (Baton Rouge, La.). Feb. 27, 2012.
"We are writing on behalf of the Land Trust for Southeast Louisiana, the Trust for Public Land, the Conservation Fund, and the Partnership for Gulf Coast Land Conservation, a coalition of 25 land trusts from the Gulf Coast states. Land trusts are nonprofit organizations that work with landowners to permanently conserve forests, farms, wetlands and other natural resources…" (read more)

BP faces billions in fines as spill trial nears
By Cain Burdeau, Associated Press. Feb. 25, 2012.
"NEW ORLEANS—On the cusp of trial over the catastrophic 2010 oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, phalanxes of lawyers, executives and public officials have spent the waning days in settlement talks. Holed up in small groups inside law offices, war rooms and hotel suites in New Orleans and Washington, they are trying to put a number on what BP and its partners in the doomed Macondo well project should pay to make up for the worst offshore spill in U.S. history…" (read more)

RESTORE Gulf Coast Act is Crucial for Delta Restoration Efforts
By Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership. Feb. 24, 2012.
"As BP attempts to reach a $20-25 billion settlement with the Justice Department for the 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill, a group of more than 650 outdoor sporting business and organizations is urging members of Congress to move forward with the RESTORE Gulf Coast Act. Two letters were sent to Congress regarding the legislation, which would ensure that monies generated from oil spill fines reach the gulf and help restore this valuable ecosystem…" (read more)

La. coastal officials air concerns
By Kris Johnson, Houma Courier (Houma, La.). Feb. 25, 2012.
"HOUMA, La. – Presidents of coastal parishes, including Terrebonne and Lafourche, aired a list of complaints Friday about a lack of money and slow action to protect their communities from an encroaching Gulf of Mexico…" (read more)

Lower 9th Ward is making environmental strides, Sierra Club declares
By Katy Reckdahl, The Times-Picayune (New Orleans, La.). Feb. 25, 2012.
"Six years after it was enveloped by floodwaters, the Lower 9th Ward includes three urban farms and perhaps more “green” houses than any other neighborhood in the country. Alongside typical New Orleans pleas for more repaired streets and fewer blighted lots, Lower 9 residents now regularly lobby for sustainable development. They’ve also pushed to restore the long-neglected Bayou Bienvenue, which bounds the neighborhood on its Florida Avenue edge…" (read more)

Local fishers are cutting out the middle man
By Benjamin Alexander-Bloch, The Times-Picayune (New Orleans, La.). Feb. 26, 2012.
"Boat-to-fork fishing is catching on in Louisiana with more and more farmers markets sprouting up in the metro New Orleans area, and the digital arena allowing online direct marketing and immediate, instant exchange. Today there are several Lenten season options for those looking to buy fresh seafood directly from the Louisiana families who scooped it out of the Gulf…" (read more)

State could help boost fisheries
By The Advocate (Baton Rouge, La.). Feb. 26, 2012.
"SHREVEPORT — Looking around this fabled northwest Louisiana city and the always-running-red Red River and it leads to wonder just how extra good fishing could be in our Sportsman’s Paradise if we dedicated more resources to this sport…" (read more)

State budget expected to include $25 million for local levee system
By Daily Comet (Thibodaux, La.). Feb. 25, 2012.
"The Morganza-to-the-Gulf hurricane-protection project in Terrebonne Parish could be the recipient of even more support from the administration of Gov. Bobby Jindal…" (read more)

By Elizabeth Skree, Environmental Defense Fund

The Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFPM), which has chapters in each of the five Gulf Coast states damaged by the 2010 gulf oil spill, says it would be appropriate if Congress dedicated some  of the spill fines to restore the gulf.

“Recognizing that major funds are needed to support reconstruction of Gulf Coast high hazard areas devastated by the recent oil spill, the Association of State Floodplain Managers views the contribution of at least some portion of the gulf oil spill fines to gulf reconstruction to be appropriate, as the RESTORE Act would do,” said Larry A. Larson, P.E., CFM, executive director of theAssociation of State Floodplain Managers.

The disaster caused oil to wash ashore and destroy vital coastal wetlands. These wetlands act as a natural storm barrier, reducing storm surge and minimizing inland flooding. Without restoration of these gulf wetlands, numerous coastal communities will remain vulnerable to future storms and flooding.

“Restoration following the ecological disaster offers an opportunity for a more comprehensive, balanced approach to living with the gulf, more creative use of non-structural methods, reevaluation of multiple objectives in management of tributaries and coastal systems and curtailment of development into high risk areas,” concluded Larry. “It is an opportunity for avoidance of destruction of natural systems and for reducing what has been an ever escalating risk to people, property and taxpayer funds.”

Founded in 1977, ASFPM is a national nonprofit organization of professionals involved in floodplain management, flood hazard mitigation, flood preparedness and flood warning and recovery with more than 14,000 members in 33 state chapters.

Its members work to achieve wise use of the nation’s floodplains and related water resources, through comprehensive non-structural and structural floodplain management. Their mission is “to promote education, policies, and activities that mitigate current and future losses, costs, and human suffering caused by flooding, and to protect the natural and beneficial functions of floodplains – all without causing adverse impacts.”

Read more about the Association of State Floodplain Managers by visiting their website www.floods.org.

Related resources

• EPA Administrator stresses importance of wetland restoration for gulf recovery [Restoration and Resilience]
• House amendment builds momentum for RESTORE Act [Delta Dispatches]
• The RESTORE Act [MississippiRiverDelta.org]
• Using the natural powers of water to restore Louisiana's coast [Restoration and Resilience]

By Lacey McCormick, National Wildlife Federation

The Mississippi River Delta is one of the best places on earth to catch monster largemouth bass. If America’s anglers didn’t know that before, they certainly discovered it last year when Kevin van Dam shattered the previous Bassmaster Classic stringer record at the 2011 Bassmaster Classic.

B.A.S.S. CEO Bruce Akin

Last night, the Vanishing Paradise team was honored to have the opportunity to make a presentation to executives at B.A.S.S. and the B.A.S.S. Federation Nation conservation directors about the work we are doing to rally hunters and anglers nationwide to support restoration of the Mississippi River Delta. We were particularly delighted when B.A.S.S. CEO Bruce Akin got up before our talk and discussed the importance of restoring the delta and supporting organizations like Vanishing Paradise.

Anglers who know the region intuitively grasp the need for restoration. As Kevin van Dam said before last year’s Classic:

“The first time I fished [the delta] was in the late 1990s and I was blown away by the quality of the fisheries. I’ve fished here a half a dozen times since then. … Each time, I’m just stunned at the changes. Areas that used to be marsh are now just open bay.”

Bassmaster competitor Mike Iaconelli

Vanishing Paradise wants to thank Van Dam as well as the other Bassmaster competitors who have signed our letter to Congress, including Mike Iaconelli, Skeet Reese, Stephen Browning, Cliff Pace, Greg Hackney, Brent Chapman, Edwin Evers, Todd Faircloth, Mark Davis and Terry Butcher.

Mike Iaconelli is one angler who knows the delta well — he won the 2003 Bassmaster Classic there, after all — and he is a strong and vocal supporter of coastal restoration:

“If you hunt, if you fish, if you just love the outdoors, it’s important to step up and care about this problem. The thing is we’ve got a way to fix it, we’ve got a solution. … We’ve got the Mississippi River, which is one of the main things we can use to bring the marsh back.”

Seven-time Bassmaster Classic competitor Stephen Browning agrees, saying anglers everywhere can play a role in speaking up for the delta:

“We can spread the message to the rest of the country, to our congressmen and senators. Hopefully the right person’s eyes will be opened, and we can get something started.

Watch Kevin Van Dam, Mike Iaconelli and Stephen Browning discuss the need to restore the delta:

Restoration Wins Big at 2011 Bassmaster Classic

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-0maf_jAIIc

The 2012 Bassmaster Classic starts today and continues through Sunday (Feb. 24-26).

First Step To Create Fund For Gulf Coast Restoration
By Gina-Marie Cheeseman, Care2. Feb. 23, 2012.
"It will be two years in April since the Deepwater Horizon oil rig exploded off the Louisiana Gulf Coast. A federal case, which is really hundreds of combined lawsuits, is scheduled to start on February 27 in New Orleans. Given the upcoming anniversary and the pending court case, it’s only fitting that last week the House voted to include the RESTORE amendment to the American Energy and Infrastructure Jobs Act, better known as the transportation bill…" (Read more)

Name: Captain Troy Frady

Occupation: Owner/Operator at Distraction Charters in Orange Beach, Alabama

What does the Gulf Coast mean to you?
My earliest memories of coastal Alabama date back to the early 1970s. There were not many people on the water back then around Orange Beach, Fort Morgan and Dauphin Island. The fish were abundant and our estuaries were teeming with life. Over the past 40 years, I have seen things change from what I remember as a child. I have seen our coastal wetlands drained or filled, environmental pollution, overfishing of our marine resources, and residential and commercial development. All have contributed to the decline of what was once a pristine coastal environment.

After 21 years of working in the corporate world of banking and logistics, I decided to fulfill a childhood dream of making my living on the water. I took off my tie and hung up my coat and purchased a 41’ Hatteras and began charter fishing in 2002.

After entering the charter fishing fleet, I noticed that there were a lot of anglers who were overharvesting reef fish simply because they could. I wanted to be different and develop my niche. I began educating my customers about conservation and why it is important to release some of your catch. I had already seen what overfishing had done to the resources since childhood, so I decided to be part of the solution instead of being part of the problem. I began marketing “Keep the Best, Release the Rest,” to help manage fish populations.

The effects of the BP oil spill have complicated our fishery rebuilding process. It may be years before we know the full effects of what the oil and dispersants did to our reef fishery and the deep water marine ecosystem.

Why is it important to move quickly to restore all coastal wetlands and estuaries?
Over the years, our pristine coastal areas have been depleted and are in jeopardy of being gone for good. With natural events like hurricanes and manmade events like the BP oil spill, it is extremely important that we all do our part and build buffers around and restore our marine resources. The lessons I have learned in 40 years are valuable, and I don’t want to see future generations witness what we had a chance to correct.

How does the RESTORE Act fit into this process?
For the first time in our nation’s history, we have an opportunity to divert Clean Water Act fines, without using taxpayer dollars, toward projects that will protect our estuaries and marine resources from natural or manmade disasters. The RESTORE Act gives hope to all of us who make our living by educating and being good stewards of such a great national resource. It may be years before we know the full effects of what the BP oil spill did to our marine environment. Only through a robust research and monitoring program will we be able to detect delayed or subtle impacts, track the recovery of the injured species and implement appropriate restoration strategies.

One thing’s for sure — the seafood industry and recreational fishing are pillars of our coastal economy. Neither can prosper without the natural resources that support them. In the gulf, environmental restoration is vital to economic restoration. What we do today will have an effect on what happens tomorrow. Your children and grandchildren will love you more because of it. Restoration is the right thing to do.

Coastal Restoration: A Smart Investment
By Mark Tercek, CEO, The Nature Conservancy, for the Huffington Post. Feb. 22, 2012.
"With a potential BP settlement for the Gulf of Mexico oil spill possible as early as this week, Gulf Coast communities are speaking up, urging Congress to quickly pass the RESTORE Act. Passage of this bill would ensure that fines for the spill are dedicated to restoring the communities, environment and economy of the Gulf…" (Read more)

Without Passage of RESTORE Act, BP Could Get Sweet Settlement Deal
By Jaclyn McDougal, National Wildlife Federation. Feb. 22, 2012.
"BP could soon squirm its way to a sweet settlement deal this week for the Gulf oil disaster—a move that would allow the company’s pockets to continue to expand on the heels of their record profits, while leaving more uncertainty for restoring the Gulf of Mexico to an environmentally and economically healthy state…" (Read more)

BP Spill Victims Still Feel Economic Impact
By Allen Johnson Jr., Laurel Calkins and Margaret Cronin Fisk, Bloomberg News. Feb. 23, 2012.
"Louisiana oysterman Terrance M. Shelley was struggling to keep up with demand by New Orleans restaurants before BP Plc (BP/)’s Macondo well blew out in April 2010, crippling the processing plant he opened six months earlier…" (Read more)

State wants to certify seafood
By Nikki Buskey, The Daily Comet. Feb. 22, 2012.
"Louisiana has a reputation for great food, and wildlife officials are hoping they can leverage that into a certification program that will make the state’s seafood stand out in the supermarket…" (Read more)

Use our excellent reputation
Editorial, The Houma Courier. Feb. 22, 2012.
"Louisiana's bountiful seafood is known to many as some of the best in the world.

The problem is that it is sometimes difficult to know which seafood comes from our waters and which was shipped here from half a world away…" (Read more)

Settlement Talks Pick Up Ahead of BP Oil Spill Trial
By John Schwartz, The New York Times. Feb. 20, 2012.
"NEW ORLEANS — Nearly two years after the oil rig explosion that killed 11 people and spilled millions of barrels of crude oil into the Gulf of Mexico, the myriad plaintiffs suing BP and other companies over the disaster are about to get their day in court.

Or not…"

Congress takes a step forward on BP fines: An editorial
Editorial, The Times-Picayune. Feb. 18, 2012.
"A House vote Thursday that approved dedicating 80 percent of Clean Water Act fines to Gulf Coast states is a significant step toward giving Louisiana and its neighbors fair treatment following the 2010 BP disaster. Rep. Steve Scalise wrote the amendment, which is attached to a Republican bill that calls for a major expansion of domestic energy exploration…" (Read more)

Restore Act takes a step forward
Editorial, The Houma Courier. Feb. 19, 2012.
"Before 2010’s catastrophic Gulf of Mexico oil spill had even been stopped, some had started talking about where the money from the eventual fines would go…" (Read more)

Gulf of Mexico oil spill partial settlement would give Louisiana $13.5 million
By Mark Schleifstein, The Times-Picayune. February 17, 2012.
"MOEX Offshore 2007 LLC has agreed to settle its liability in the Deepwater Horizon oil spill with the federal government in a settlement valued at $90 million, the Justice Department, U.S. Coast Guard and Environmental Protection Agency announced today. Included is $13.5 million in fines and money for environmental projects that will be spent in Louisiana…" (Read more)

BP Spill Deal Possible This Week After Mitsui, Analyst Says
By Brian Swint, Bloomberg Businessweek. Feb. 20, 2012.
"Feb. 20 (Bloomberg) — BP Plc, operator of the Macondo well that caused the U.S.’s worst oil spill, may reach a settlement for the disaster this week after a partner agreed on fines, an Oppenheimer & Co. analyst said…" (Read more)

Bass' arrival in Bayou Perot signals coming of needed change
By Bob Marshall, The Times-Picayune. Feb. 19, 2012.
"The marsh bass Sidney Bourgeois just pulled from the canal on the western shoreline of Bayou Perot on Wednesday morning was a real fatty, a broad-shouldered fighter showing a belly already sagging with the next generation, a burden that helped it top 3 pounds. He released the bass back into the canal and started casting for more, which he knew he would catch…" (Read more)

BP oil spill's effects need watching
Editorial, Tampa Bay Times. Feb. 20, 2012.
"The BP oil spill may have faded from the front pages, but its impact should be monitored for years. That's the lesson from a recent government-funded survey of the Gulf of Mexico that found more sick fish in the area of the 2010 spill than anywhere else…" (Read more)

Coastal program could lose federal money
By Nikki Buskey, The Houma Courier. Feb. 17, 2012.
"A federal coastal-restoration program that’s helped pay for major projects in Terrebonne and Lafourche could be severely cut under President Barack Obama’s 2013 budget…" (Read more)

Thanks to the hard work of Rep. Steve Scalise (R-La.), the House of Representatives passed an amendment yesterday that would dedicate 80 percent of Clean Water Act fines from the gulf oil spill to gulf restoration. The amendment, which passed by a voice vote on the transportation reauthorization bill, sets aside the expected penalties from BP and other responsible parties in a Gulf Coast Restoration Trust Fund to be used solely for restoration. The amendment was introduced by Rep. Scalise and cosponsored by Reps. Richmond (D-La.), Landry (R-La.), Bonner (R-Ala.), Miller (R-Fla.), Palazzo (R-Miss.), Olson (R-Texas) and Southerland (R-Fla.). You can read Rep. Scalise's statement on the amendment’s passage here.

This is an important step towards ensuring fines from the spill are spent restoring the environment and economy of the Gulf Coast, and we thank all those individuals and organizations that helped push the RESTORE Act forward. We especially applaud Rep. Scalise for his continuing leadership on gulf restoration.

Now we need to build on this momentum in the Senate, urging Senators to expedite passage of the RESTORE Act, as approved by the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee  in September. The bipartisan Senate bill would require that 80 percent of Clean Water Act fines from the oil spill are dedicated to gulf environmental and economic restoration.

Although much work remains to be done, passage of the Scalise amendment is a crucial step towards seeing the RESTORE Act passed and the gulf made whole again.

By George Altman, Press-Register. February 17, 2012.

"WASHINGTON — The U.S. House of Representatives approved language Thursday calling for 80 percent of civil fines resulting from the 2010 oil spill, which could amount well into the billions of dollars, to be reserved to help Gulf states rebound from the disaster…"

Spill-fines bill advances in U.S. House

By Nikki Buskey, The Daily Comet. February 16, 2012.

"Gulf Coast states would receive billions of dollars in fines resulting from the 2012 oil spill under a measure approved Thursday by the U.S. House…"

No excuse for failing to act

Editorial, The Daily Comet. February 17, 2012.

"Many of the people who live along Louisiana’s coast are unfortunately familiar with the annual dead zone that develops in the Gulf of Mexico…"