A science panel set up by BP to study the effects of last year’s oil spill on the Gulf of Mexico says it will hand out $1.5 million in grants to scientists.

The Gulf of Mexico Research Initiative says the money will be used to collect samples during July 1 to Sept. 30.

BP set up a $500 million fund for independent science research after the Deepwater Horizon oil rig exploded last year and caused a massive oil spill. The money will be spent over 10 years.

Rita R. Colwell, the head of the GRI research board, says it’s important to keep sampling throughout the summer.

Some scientists were frustrated by the slow pace the GRI took to get the money out.