Topic: Restoration of Deep Gulf of America Coral Communities

Speaker: Sasha Francis, Gulf Restoration Education & Outreach Manager, Deepwater Horizon (DWH) Mesophotic & Deep Benthic Communities Restoration, National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, NOAA Affiliate

Date/Time: Thursday, December 7, 9am Central / 10am Eastern

Registration Link:
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5311921428427346517

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

Please note: this webinar will be recorded and shared online.

Abstract:
For December, the Gulf of America Forum webinar series will focus on mesophotic and deep benthic (mid-depths and deep-sea) communities in the Gulf of America. In particular, our speaker, Sasha Francis, will focus on the ongoing efforts to restore these hard-to-reach habitats that were injured by the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill. This presentation will feature imagery and stories about fascinating deep-sea coral propagation techniques, exploration and sample collections a mile below the surface, connecting scientists at sea with the community, and more.

Speaker Bio[s]:
Sasha Francis is the Gulf Restoration Education and Outreach Manager with National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, working with NOAA and other partners on the restoration of Mesophotic and Deep Benthic Communities injured by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. She leads strategic efforts to share the restoration activities being conducted by four collaborative project teams, and increase awareness of the existence and importance of these communities, threats they face, and actions that can be taken to protect them. Sasha’s previous roles include being a marine mammal behaviorist, zookeeper, and Texas watershed environmental educator.