Congresswoman tours marine ecosystems

U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Fla., stepped out on a research boat with FIU Marine Sciences Professor James Fourqurean June 1 to tour Florida’s marine ecosystems.

The agenda was not only to explore the state’s marine ecosystems and mangrove restorations, but also to view areas of concern as the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico continues to travel closer to Florida’s coastline.

FIU scientists are working with the Southeast Coastal Ocean Observing Regional Association and Florida’s Oil Spill Academic Task Force to coordinate responses of Florida’s universities and ensure that the best experts in the state are brought to bear on the issue. Currently, researchers in FIU’s School of Environment and Society are working to characterize the chemical composition of the oil to track its movements, studying the effects of oil and dispersants on organisms and surveying the ecosystems of South Florida.

This marked the congresswoman’s second visit to FIU in recent months. She previously toured the School of Environment and Society’s marine sciences department in April.

“The work they’re doing at the School of Environment and Society at FIU’s north campus is incredibly important,” Wasserman Schultz said. “I look forward to continuing to work with Florida International University to make sure I can do my best to advocate in Washington for the funding that this institution needs to continue the very competitive, international research they’re doing here.”