Earth Equity News

Damage to Marine Ecosystems Widespread and Long-Term. By Allison Winter, GreenWire, May 21, 2010. "Damage to Gulf of Mexico marine life could last generations, federal scientists warned on May 21. As oil spews from a damaged well 5,000 feet beneath the surface, scientists say the reproduction of wildlife and food webs could be changed in ways that could have long-term effects on the ecosystem... With the oil spill so far offshore, scientists do not expect to find many of the animals that could die from exposure. They are more likely to die at sea, be eaten by other animals or sink in the ocean. Effects could be seen in reduced sea turtle nests in coming years. If prey species die, the effects on larger animals may bear out over longer periods of time... The spill could harm squid and large crabs that live on the bottom of the sea. A dip in the squid population could in turn hurt sperm whales, which feed on them... 'We do anticipate long-term and perhaps widespread effects to wildlife and ecosystems that may persist -- even to animals with no evidence of oil on their feathers or fur,' said Glenn Plumb, who is leading the National Park Service's spill response effort."