Survey Reports On Gulf's Health
The Associated Press announced the results of an informal survey taken among almost three dozen scientists who are working to determine the near- and long-term effects of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill on the overall health of the Gulf of Mexico. According to the scientists, the Gulf did suffer an overall impact from the spill, but no single component of the marine ecosystem suffered an immediate, devastating hit from the polluting oil. The scientists are still waiting to learn the ultimate effects of the enormous spill.
According to the AP's report, scientists studying the Gulf are focusing now on the lower water column and the sea floor. Oil discovered on the sea floor, which has not been linked definitively to BP's oil spill, is believed to have inundated the bottom-dwelling animal and plant life, with tragic consequences.
Whether individual species of marine life suffer a large-scale die-off remains to be seen. Scientists interviewed in the AP's survey also expressed concern about more subtle, lingering effects that might yet appear, including genetic mutations and environmental stresses that could undermine species in the Gulf over time.
All who live along the Gulf Coast and work in Gulf of Mexico maritime trades hope the Gulf's resilience has not been overtaxed in the Deepwater Horizon tragedy.
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