LSU, Oyster Bed earn EPA awards

DALLAS - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Gulf of Mexico Division announced Sept. 26 that Louisiana State University’s (LSU) College of the Coast & Environment as a second place Gulf Guardian winner for its EnvironMentors program that encourages interest in environmental stewardship and science careers among high school participants. Additionally, EPA awarded a second place Gulf Guardian winner to The Oyster Bed LLC of Hammond, La., for its work to promote stewardship of GoM resources and oyster shell recycling through community outreach and education. Through EnviroMentors, LSU student-volunteers mentor high schoolers on a year-long scientific research project. The program focuses on underprivileged students that are typically underrepresented in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) fields. Students who complete the program increase their likelihood of graduating from high school and pursuing higher education, and their projects address real-world issues. Recent topics include effects of human impacts on plankton species, pathogens in oysters, and removing phosphorus from LSU’s University Lake. The Gulf of Mexico program initiated the Gulf Guardian awards in 2000 to recognize and businesses, community groups, individuals, and agencies that are taking positive steps to keep the Gulf healthy. First, second and third place awards are given in seven categories: individual, business/industry, youth environmental education, civic/nonprofit organizations, cultural diversity/environmental justice, partnership and bi-national efforts. (Source: EPA 09/26/19) https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-announces-lsu-college-coast-environment-1st-place-2019-gulf-guardian-winner