TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - A University of Alabama professor of biological sciences in the marine science program has been appointed to chair a U.S. Department of Interior-assembled subcommittee that will evaluate the controversial issues surrounding mercury contamination in the Gulf of Mexico.

Dr. William Schroeder, who is stationed at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab, was appointed to chair the four-person Subcommittee on Mercury in the Gulf of Mexico.

Some marine life, including seafood, throughout the Gulf contains high levels of mercury. It has been speculated that mercury associated with lubricants -- used to assist in the drilling of wells -- that have accumulated under oil and gas platforms is a significant source of this contamination. Earlier Minerals Management Service (MMS) studies have indicated these mercury levels were not a result of drilling activities.

The subcommittee will review previously completed studies on the issue and will advise whether additional research is needed.

The MMS requested the formation of the subcommittee. Members of the subcommittee are comprised of select members of the Service’s scientific advisory committee and are independent of the agency. The MMS is the Interior Department’s agency overseeing the operation of oil and gas rigs in the Gulf.

The Mercury Forum, scheduled for May 20-21 in the Mobile Convention Center, is expected to bring added attention to the issues. The forum, sponsored in part by the Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium, is an opportunity for the general public to join scientists, educators, environmentalists, industry representatives and policy makers to learn more about methylmercury in the environment.

UA is a member of the Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant consortium and has two representatives, Drs. Hobson Bryan and Kimberley Warner, scheduled to present at the forum.