IOSA TRAINING

IOSA Science of Spills

Come listen, learn and train with 35 year NOAA veteran, Gary Shigenaka, and meet the current NOAA SSC Coordinator, Aaron Maggied, during this wonderful opportunity to learn about marine oil spills and the science behind it all! Topics and demos include:

• The history of oil spills
• NOAA's role in spill response (SSC Coordinator)
• What is oil? Oil chemistry & types of oil
• Fate & behavior of oil
• Effects of oil

Gary Shigenaka retired from NOAA in 2020 after a long career as a marine biologist, primarily providing scientific support during spills. He holds the title of Scientist Emeritus with NOAA’s Office of Response and Restoration. His resumé of domestic spill responses includes most major U.S. incidents in the last 35 years. Gary taught many spill science and shoreline assessment classes. He also managed research initiatives on chemical dispersants, in-situ burning, Arctic response, and the history of oil spills. For 15 years, he served on the Region 10 Regional Response Team. Gary currently lives in Seattle and maintains a cabin on Lopez Island, and he is an IOSA Board Member and Tier One volunteer on Lopez Island. We are very honored to have him available as our teacher!