NOAA Launches Website Archive of Deepwater Horizon Response
Virtual library includes closure maps, wildlife reports, and mission logs by crew members.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) unveiled a web archive of the maps, wildlife reports, scientific reports and other previously released public information used by emergency responders, fishermen, mariners and local officials during the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The NOAA Deepwater Horizon Library can be accessed via www.noaa.gov/deepwaterhorizon.
“This website serves as a valuable learning tool and resource for scientists, students, and historians of all backgrounds for many years to come,” said Jane Lubchenco, Ph.D., undersecretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and NOAA administrator. “Good science underpins everything we do at NOAA, and our scientists worked tirelessly during the spill to monitor the oceans, coasts, and skies. Much of that mission-critical information is now available in this library.”
The website contains previously released public information related to the response, including:
- 450 nearshore, offshore, and cumulative oil trajectory forecasts;
- 33 fishery closure area and 9 fishery re-opening maps;
- 129 wildlife reports for animals including sea turtles and marine mammals;
- 58 nautical chart updates;
- 38 Gulf loop current location maps;
- More than 4,000 "spot" weather forecasts requested by responders.
The archive also contains image and video galleries, fact sheets and publications, press releases and transcripts, educational resources, and mission logs by crew members on board several of the eight NOAA ships responding to the spill and the damage assessment. NOAA will continue to update the website with information products in the weeks and months ahead.