Uniting to Advance Freshwater Oil Spill Research, Preparedness and Response
Freshwater environments are essential ecosystems that support biodiversity, provide drinking water, and sustain communities. Historically, most oil spill research has focused on marine systems, but the growing intersection of oil infrastructure with inland waterways has recently led to the significant progression of collaborative, robust freshwater oil spill science. This knowledge is critical for enabling evidence-based decisions during spill response.
This session will bring together researchers, Indigenous knowledge keepers, managers, policymakers, and community leaders to explore the unique challenges of preparing for, responding to, and recovering from oil spills in freshwater systems. Emphasizing the importance of Indigenous perspectives and place-based knowledge in stewardship and resilience, this session will conclude with a panel discussion on Indigenous engagement in oil spill science in the Great Lakes - St. Lawrence River basin and beyond.
This session, highlighting the results of recent research, aims to foster collaboration and dialogue across disciplines and communities, recognizing that effective solutions require both scientific innovation and local insight. It will spotlight recent policy and regulatory developments, offering perspectives on how evolving frameworks are shaping freshwater oil spill preparedness and response.
By bridging gaps between science, policy, and lived experience, this session seeks to advance understanding and action in freshwater oil spill science. We welcome contributions that showcase new research, collaborative models, and inclusive approaches to environmental protection and recovery.
Chaired by:
Natalie Chin1, Kenneth Lee2, Vince Palace3, Kelsey Prihoda4, Lisa Isaacman5
1 University of Wisconsin Sea Grant,2 Kenneth Lee Research Inc.,3 International Institute for Sustainable Development - Experimental Lakes Area,4 University of Minnesota Sea Grant College Program,5 Natural Resources Canada