Biologists at Pennsylvania State University have made an alarming finding that the BP Oil Spill has had a deeper impact on marine life than previously predicted. The 2010 Gulf Oil Spill has captured the world’s attention for polluting the waters in the Gulf of Mexico. The spill additionally shut down business across the region, including fisheries and beaches, and severely contaminated marshes and wetlands. Three companies were responsible for the spill: TransOcean, which operated the Deepwater Horizon drilling rig; oil company BP; and Halliburton.
Researchers at Pennsylvania State University found two partially damaged and dying deep sea coral reefs far to the east of the oil spill site. Up until now, scientists only knew of one reef that was damaged by the oil spill. That reef was closer to the surface and to the scene of the spill which sent 210 million gallons of oil pouring into the Gulf for 87 days.
Charles Fisher, who led the study, stated that the footprint of the oil spill on coral communities is deeper and wider than previous studies indicated. BP issued a published response stating that the researchers have prematurely linked the dead coral reefs to the 2010 oil spill. BP urged the reef’s destruction could have come from other sources including natural oil or gas seeps or underwater landslides. PSU biologists defended their study, emphasizing that their testing proved the oil found on the reefs was the same as the oil from the 2010 BP oil spill.
The study presents two theories as to how these distant reefs were damaged by the oil spill. The first is that a cloud of oil droplets traveled under the sea deeper and in different directions that scientists previously believed. The second is that the oil traveling on the surface of the water sunk and landed on the reefs. This sort of oil is called “toxic marine snow.” Scientists believe toxic marine snow is formed when chemical dispersants used to clean up the oil cause the oil to form droplets that then fall hundreds of feet below the surface.
Deep sea coral reefs are a crucial part of the ocean ecosystem. They provide a habitat for dozens of species and participate in nitrogen and carbon cycling processes, as well as sheltering fish and shark eggs. Charles Fisher emphasizes that the discovery of these dying reefs indicates the deep sea is still experiencing the effects of the oil spill. He warns that it could be awhile before the full impact of the spill is realized in the wider Gulf.
Just like the ocean floor, individuals and businesses continue to be impacted by the BP oil spill. Many more are still struggling to receive payouts from BP for their damages sustained. Contact a BP Oil Spill Attorney today for help with your claim.
Barrett Law PLLC: Mississippi BP Oil Spill Attorneys Continuing to Assist Victims of this Disaster
This new study showing the ongoing and even greater than previously thought impact of the BP Oil Spill is alarming and serves to illustrate the need for continued litigation against the companies responsible for this disaster. It has been four years since the oil spill that pumped millions of gallons of oil into the Gulf, devastating many Gulf coast residents, business owners, and the environment. While it has been years since the spill, the effects are ongoing and litigation continues. If you have been or may have been impacted by the BP oil spill, the experienced Mississippi BP Oil Spill Attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC can help. Call us today at 1 (800) 707-9577 to schedule your free consultation.
