In a twist on classical drift block studies, drifters deployed by the Surfzone Oil Coastal Pathways Experiment (SCOPE) are being tracked using unmanned aerial vehicles (drones).
Part of the Consortium for Advanced Research on the Transport of Hydrocarbons in the Environment (CARTHE) work program, the results of this study will be used to develop computer models of ocean currents showing how they carry oil or other toxins to the nearshore area.
SCOPE will also place Environmental Protection Agency approved dye in nearshore waters to collect visual data on how the currents in the area move. Studying the movement of ocean currents, particularly in the nearshore area will help determine where fish and shrimp larvae are likely to be carried by these currents, an important piece of information for protecting Gulf fisheries and vital food sources for birds.
This is one of many Gulf of Mexico oil spill research projects being funded in the wake of the Deepwater Horizon Incident in 2010, all geared toward preventing, or reducing the impacts of, future oil spills. Restoration projects are underway in critical bird rookery areas and in mangroves needed for birds, fish and storm protection.