Dear Colleague
Public perception and techniques have dramatically changed over the last years
due to a number of incidents. A succession of heavy fuel pollutions has
challenged spill responders capacity to monitor slicks at sea, predict their
drift and recover thick, sticky material. Public demand for environmental
sustainability has triggerred the development of wreck treatment techniques and
tools capable to deliver in deeper seas. Satellite monitored drifters and
satellite imagery have become natural decision making aid. Response planning is
more and more a regional concern. Governments and industry now work nearly
everywhere together.
Oil pollution response is adapting to a fast changing world. It has become
essential to share best practice and knowledge, to avoid misuse and cut down on
costs without prejudicing efficiency.
Information has become an essential matter. Responders are expected to say what
they do in real time, do what they say, and explain it. Response at sea is now
based on cooperation agreements and chartering contracts. Shoreline response
isn't anymore only clean up, but also restoration.
All those changes are reflected in the unique conference programme we have built
for you, with co-chairs of international reputation, experienced invited
speakers and a selection of papers from all continents, built from a call of
unprecedented success. We are confident that participants will return from
Interspill 2009 determined not to miss Interspill 2012.
Michel Girin
The Conference Programme Chair
