As a resident of Naples, FL I feel a real sense of frustration and sadness with what is unfolding in our beloved Gulf of Mexico. We just can’t begin to measure the environmental and economic impact that this disaster will bring to the Gulf Coast states and beyond. One thing is for certain, all the money in the world won’t fix what is being broken as we speak. This post isn’t about assigning blame it is about pointing out some of the early predictions for the “real” disaster that has yet to completely rear its ugly head. This spill has already exceeded the spill from the Exxon Valdez and is still not under control. Some estimates have it at a much higher number in the range of 39 million gallons.
BP (BP.L) has been using the dispersant Corexit on the sea surface and nearly a mile below to help break up the oil that has been flowing out of an uncapped well since last month. Critics say the dispersant could be harmful to marine life.
The London-based energy giant has sprayed 850,000 gallons of Corexit in its effort to disperse the oil, a “volume never before used in this country.” She added that the long-term effects of dispersants on aquatic life were unknown.
It has been stated that over 300 birds have been found dead during the first few weeks of this oil spill.
It is not only destroying things onshore but has penetrated many other areas too. In addition to the reproduction system of the marine life of the deep sea, the oil spill has also affected some food cycles. All this will consequently lead to a negative affect on the ecosystem.
The bluefin tuna, which is endangered due to overfishing, spawns in only two places – the Gulf and the Mediterranean Sea. “We think at this time – based upon the magnitude and location of the spill – that the young larvae are in a precarious situation.”
If the entire water column is effected it will effect the entire planktonic community as well.
For birds, the timing could not be worse; they are breeding, nesting and especially vulnerable in many of the places where the oil could come ashore.
In 2008, commercial fishermen in the Gulf of Mexico harvested 1.27 billion pounds of finfish and shellfish that earned $659 million in total landings revenue.
There were 3.2 million recreational fishermen who took a fishing trip in the Gulf of Mexico region, and they took 24 million fishing trips in 2008.
The economic impact of the oil spill on shrimp could be extensive. The Gulf region landings of shrimp are the nation’s largest with 188.3 million pounds or 73 percent of the national total (Fisheries of the US, 2008).
Blue crabs are the most economically valuable crab species for the region. Louisiana lands approximately 26 percent of the total blue crabs for the nation or 41.6 million pounds in 2008, with a dockside value of $32 million.
The Gulf region leads the nation in the production of oysters, some 67 percent of the nation’s total. The following landings and dockside value was produced in 2008 in the Gulf states: Louisiana, 12,778,311 pounds, $38.8 million; Texas, 2,679,207 pounds, $8.83 million; Mississippi, 2,610,349 pounds, $6.87 million; West Florida, 2,501,475 pounds, $5.47 million; Alabama, 72,776 pounds, $243,414.
As long as the oil spill remains on the surface and offshore, the impacts to reef fish habitat should be minor. However, if the oil slick reaches the bottom or nearshore/inshore areas, the majority of the 42 reef fish species managed in the Gulf of Mexico will be impacted.
Stop trying to save it, CAP THIS WELL NOW!
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