BRIEFING: Restoring Ecological and Economic Vitality to the Gulf of Mexico

Event Type: 
Briefings
Date: 
Wed, 11/16/2011
Description: 

The health of the Gulf Coast economy -- indeed, every sector of the global economy -- is inextricably tied to the benefits that the natural world provides to society.  On November 10, 2011, the National Research Council released its interim report on the methods and metrics that can be used to evaluate the effects of the Gulf oil spill on ecosystem services such as food, tourism, water, energy, and infrastructure protection.  This report examined not only the direct effects of the oil spill on ecosystem services in the region, but also the impacts of other human activities that have changed the balance of ecosystem services over time. 

Through coffee-house style panel discussions held the week following the release of the NRC report, COMPASS, the Consortium for Ocean Leadership, and the National Academies' National Research Council hosted events to explore perspectives from science, economics, business, and industry on restoring the flow of ecosystem services that support the economic vitality of the Gulf of Mexico.  These events built upon two events held in early October, which examined the role of science in the Gulf of Ecosystem Restoration Task Force Preliminary Strategy.  

Moderator: Dr. David Malakoff, Policy Reporter, Science magazine

Panelists:

  • Dr. David Yoskowitz (NRC Panel), Economist, Harte Research Institute
  • Dr. Nancy Rabalais (NRC Panel), Oceanographer, Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium
  • Dr. Heather Tallis, Chief Scientist, Natural Capital Project
  • Ms. Robin Barnes, Executive Vice President, Greater New Orleans, Inc.
  • Mr. Timothy Reilly, Managing Partner, CatVest Petroleum, LLC

 

Region: 
Washington D.C.
Associated files: 
Briefing Invitation
NRC Report In Brief