Communicating oil spill science

Abstract

The Center for the Integrated Modeling and Analysis of the Gulf Ecosystem I and II (C-IMAGE I and II) are two of fourteen centers funded by the Gulf of Mexico Research Initiative (GoMRI) investigating the shortand long-term impacts of submarine oil spills on the Gulf of Mexico Ecosystem. C-IMAGE researchers represent twenty institutions from six countries while having expertise in all oceanographic disciplines. Incorporating strong field, laboratory, and modeling components in C-IMAGE research allows opportunities for a variety of engaging education and outreach activities. Since 2011, CIMAGE has produced seven podcasts, hosted eight Teachers At Sea which included Skype ship to-shore sessions, presented new discoveries to the public at localized venues, and broadened its reach using partnerships at Public Radio International (PRI), the Public Radio Exchange (PRX), GoMRI, and SeaGrant. This paper describes C-IMAGE's outreach efforts in detail while providing a look ahead to activities planned over the next three years.