Coastal Estuary Restoration Fund

Coastal Estuary Restoration Fund established to support restoration of natural resources in Coastal Alabama. May 17, 2010

The Mobile Bay National Estuary Program (MBNEP) has established a charitable fund with the Community Foundation of South Alabama (CFSA) to support projects aimed at restoring the long-term health of the water quality, living resources, habitats, and human uses of the Bay and its estuarine environment. The Coastal Estuary Restoration Fund (CERF) was created in response to a nationwide desire to support our region as we face the impacts of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill event. With British Petroleum accepting responsibility for addressing the impacts of this event along the coast, volunteers and donors have been left without a significant role in the process of cleanup or mitigation.

Although BP will address cleanup activities related to the oil spill event, the long-term recovery of our coastal resources will depend upon continuing community support. The CERF will provide critical non-federal dollars necessary to restore and sustain our fishery and other estuarine resources. The salt marshes, sea grass beds, and coastal wetlands, so vulnerable to the impacts of released oil, provide vital habitats that provide nursery, refuge, and forage for recreationally and commercially important fish and shellfish. Contributors to the CERF can be sure that their contributions will directly benefit Alabama coastal habitats and the fish, shellfish, birds, and wildlife that draw visitors and add quality to the lives of residents.

To contribute to the CERF, visit the CFSA website at http://www.communityendowment.com, click “Giving” and then the link that says “Click here to donate now.” Fill in the requested information, and designate your donation for the Coastal Estuary Restoration Fund.

The mission of the MBNEP is to promote wise stewardship of the water quality characteristics and living resource base of the Mobile Bay estuarine system. For more information, contact Sara Shields at 251-431-6409 or sshields@mobilebaynep.com.