Gulf Islands National Seashore News

The trustees and BP have identified approximately $134 million in projects to be included in the next proposed phase of early restoration. This milestone comes five years after the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. The 10 proposed projects would benefit sea turtles, birds and fish; increase recreational opportunities; and improve nearshore and reef habitats. It is anticipated that these projects will be included in a draft Phase IV Early Restoration Plan that will be made available for public review and comment.

SeaArk Marine, Inc. has delivered a 50-ft. Transporter to Gulf Islands National Seashore in Ocean Springs, MS. The vessel, Captain George, and her crew are tasked with servicing the barrier islands of Mississippi and Florida within the Gulf Islands National Seashore region. The vessel is used daily to transport equipment to the islands of Horn, Ship, Cat, Peti Bois in Mississippi and Fort Pickens in Florida. The SeaArk Transporter Class vessel is constructed of all-welded marine grade aluminum. The vessel features a 5° hull design for stability, load bearing capacity of 22,000 lbs.