Water is vital to the American Gulf Coast. Whether for fishing, swimming, playing, or just for pure enjoyment, the area's waterways are one of the things that make this region so special. BP understands and has committed $20 billion to fund the economic and environmental recovery of the region and pay natural resource damages. View video of "Gulf Commitment: The Waterways."

Hear about the current state of the Gulf Coast beaches from the people who live there. Following the 2010 oil spill, BP undertook a deep-cleaning of affected areas, and residents report that the beaches are clean and ready for guests. View video of "Gulf Commitment: Beaches." 

With 38 years in the US Navy – the past eight as the person responsible for overseeing the safe reactor operations of more than 80 nuclear-powered submarines and 12 nuclear-powered aircraft carriers – Admiral Frank ‘Skip’ Bowman knows a thing or two about keeping people safe.

Bowman, former director of the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program, shares what he learned while overseeing the naval reactors for nuclear submarines and carrier fleets — and how he is applying that safety knowledge as a new member of BP's board of directors.

Read more about Bowman's approach to safety and his work with BP. 

Generations of fishermen have made their livelihoods and their homes on the Gulf Coast. They want you to know that seafood -- shrimp, oysters and all sorts of fish -- from the Gulf of Mexico is the most inspected and most tested in the world. The confidence they have in their catch has never been higher, and they want you to try it for yourself. View video of "Gulf Commitment: The seafood." 

From the moment it hatches and for most of its life, a sea turtle is faced with multiple perils. For this reason, the efforts of marine biologists at the Marine Science Center in Ponce Inlet, Florida are very important. Just 1 in 10,000 sea turtles survives to adulthood, and these conservationists help to give the few in their care a fighting chance. The important work of the Marine Science Center is funded in part by a grant from BP's Recovered Oil Fund for Wildlife.

View video of "Restoration Gulf Coast: Florida's sea turtles".

New Orleans – Two spectacular college football games are in the books and so is BP’s successful Gulf Coast Seafood & Tourism Bash.

BP created the event in partnership with Gulf Coast tourism planners as a way to celebrate Gulf Coast culture, seafood and tourism – and to maximize exposure for the area during the Allstate Sugar Bowl and BCS National Championship.

Gulf Coast Seafood & Tourism Bash events included celebrity chef appearances by Emeril Lagasse and John Besh who both conducted dozens of national TV interviews to share Gulf seafood recipes and the news that the Gulf is open for business.

“We’re in heaven, the beaches are open and the seafood has never been better,” said Besh to a Chicago reporter.  “It’s all about seafood and tourism for us and the city right now, here in New Orleans – it’s electric.”

Before the BCS National Championship game between LSU and Alabama on January 9, eight top New Orleans chefs prepared a 30-foot “Peacemaker” po’ boy stuffed with Louisiana shrimp and Alabama oysters. On hand for the ceremonial cutting of the po’ boy were Louisiana Lieutenant Governor Jay Dardenne, as well as legendary quarterbacks Ken Stabler of Alabama and Bert Jones of LSU.

The message of quality seafood and clean beaches is what tourism planners hope visitors will take away from these events and their stay in New Orleans.

“Seafood and tourism are two of the best things about this unique region,” said Crystal Ashby, BP executive vice president of government and public affairs. “By working closely with the Gulf Coast’s seafood and tourism industries, we’ve been able to deliver a clear message that the Gulf's beaches, restaurants, fishing and attractions provide unsurpassed vacation experiences.”

As part of the festivities around both the Allstate Sugar Bowl and the BCS National Championship, BP gave away free samples of Gulf Seafood.  They also provided a “dine around” experience to VIP’s.  See coverage of the "dine around" from WKRG-TV in Mobile.

And while the football games are over, the Gulf Coast Seafood & Tourism Bash is giving away free vacation packages with a “text to win” sweepstakes until January 13.  Any United States resident who is at least 18 years old can enter.  Simply text GULFCST to 76060 for a chance to win a vacation to one of these four destinations: New Orleans; Biloxi, MS; Gulf Shores/Orange Beach, Alabama; and Pensacola Beach, Florida.

Read complete rules for the text to win sweepstakes.

View video of Gulf Coast Seafood and Tourism Bash.

See photos from the Gulf Coast Seafood & Tourism Bash.

Tallahassee, FL – Some students arrive at the Challenger Learning Center in Tallahassee, Florida with textbook knowledge of science and math, but it only takes a few hours in the facility for kids to discover a world of knowledge beyond their books.

The Challenger Learning Center, an outreach facility of both Florida A&M and Florida State Universities, allows students from kindergarten through college to become NASA engineers and astronauts for a day.

This year, BP is funding scholarships to eighth grade classes from Northwest Florida schools.  As a result, 20 entire classes from Escambia, Okaloosa, Bay and Gulf Counties are taking field trips to the Challenger Learning Center – more than 600 children in all. 

Challenger director Michelle Personette says when students are involved in the hands-on mission at the center they learn differently.

“Individual student successes are celebrated by all students because they become a team with shared goals and excitement,” said Personette.  “It is during these experiences that students become excited and engaged in the application of the science, technology, engineering and mathematics subjects.”

The inspiration to learn more about science, technology, engineering and math – or STEM concepts – is one reason BP partners with the Challenger Learning Center to provide scholarships.  Inspiring learning in these areas is “key to our business,” according to Hope Lanier, the director of government and public affairs in the southeast for BP.

“We are pleased to provide opportunities for hands-on learning for children who may not otherwise be able to enjoy these experiences,” said Lanier.

This year, BP is funding scholarships to eighth grade classes from Northwest Florida schools.  As a result, 20 entire classes from Escambia, Okaloosa, Bay and Gulf Counties are taking field trips to the Challenger Learning Center – more than 600 children in all. 

The student field trips include a space mission simulation, an IMAX® film, a hands-on science demonstration, as well as a visit to the Challenger Learning Center Downtown Digital Dome Theatre and Planetarium – a 50-foot, high-definition theatre where students can view the night sky.  The students also get to take a tour of the Florida Historic Capital Museum and meet with elected officials.  In addition, teachers are receiving special training and additional material for follow up lessons in the classroom back home.

Challenger Learning Center Director Personette says BP’s investment is rewarding for all involved, because they see a direct impact on students.

“The Challenger Learning Center is very grateful to BP for providing several hundred North Florida students the opportunity to experience hands-on STEM education,” said Personette.  “BP's support of programs such as the Challenger Learning Center's mission will have a lasting impact on the students we serve, and we are thrilled that BP believes in our mission and is willing to support us.”

“If this opportunity brings classroom learning to life for even one or two of these kids and pushes them forward in this field than this effort will have been a success,” adds Lanier.

Read more about Challenger Learning Center.

Like Challenger Learning Center on Facebook.

In a speech to the Economic Club of Chicago, CEO Bob Dudley reaffirmed BP's commitment to US energy security. Read BP CEO Bob Dudley's speech. 

In 2010, BP donated approximately $22 million to help wildlife recovery and restoration. Known as the Recovered Oil Fund For Wildlife, this fund has not only helped protect endangered sea turtles and thousands of migratory birds, it has provided an opportunity to address long-standing issues in the Gulf ecosystem and help to create a healthier Gulf. Jeff Trandahl, Executive Director of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, which administers the fund, explains its mission and how the fund works.

View video of Recovered Oil Fund for Wildlife.

With the Allstate BCS Sugar Bowl as a backdrop, BP and Gulf Coast tourism and seafood officials launched the Gulf Coast Seafood & Tourism Bash to celebrate Gulf Coast seafood, culture and tourism through special events and promotions throughout New Orleans. View video of Gulf Coast Seafood & Tourism Bash.