Summary: The purpose of this study is to establish a baseline for monitoring changes in the health and well-being of residents along the Gulf of Mexico in counties impacted by coastal contamination from the Deepwater Horizon industrial disaster. Using social science data we will establish baseline indicators of both actual and perceived health and well-being in coastal counties. Indicators of environmental health, such as those developed by the Mussel Watch Program and other federal, state and academic programs, will be used to monitor changes in ecosystem services and considered with the social science data to provide an overall picture of health and well-being and document changes to Gulf Coast communities as they persist and adapt through this disaster. Secondary data from a wide variety of sources will be assessed to measure social indicators. Data will be drawn from coastal counties directly impacted by oiled shorelines.
Project Dates: January 2011 – December 2012
Lead Agency: NOAA National Ocean Service, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science
Funding Source: NOAA
Contact: Susan Lovelace and Theresa Goedeke
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