The ongoing disaster in the Gulf of Mexico is growing each day. The Deepwater Horizon oil spill has long ago surpassed the previous top oil disaster in the United States, the Exxon Valdez. With upwards of more than 100 million gallons of oil spreading throughout the Gulf of Mexico and moving towards other bodies of water, animals are doing their best to avoid the spill.
While the numbers are currently low in terms of animal deaths, the numbers do not point to the bigger picture. Currently scientists have tabulated the losses as being 783 birds, 353 turtles and 41 mammals. In comparison the Exxon Valdez killed more than 250,000 birds and 2,800 animals from other species. However, scientists point to the fact that due to the mere size of the spill. it will be nearly impossible to actually attain accurate death numbers as many of those dying are dying in the ocean and going to the bottom. In addition, many birds are going deep within marshes and unable to be found.
Also, the spill has not yet to be contained and is growing daily. The oil is also spreading farther and farther from the origin each day as well. The true magnitude of the spill has yet to be truly felt, according to many in the field. Greenpeace marine biologist John Hocevar stated: “I think part of the reason why we’re not seeing more [deaths] yet is that the impacts of this crisis are really just beginning.”
A new sign of the extent of the damage is the fact that many marine species are now congregating near the shorelines in areas where the water is cleaner. Dolphins, sharks, fish, birds, mullets, crabs, rays and many other species are fleeing to the shoreline due to the amount of oil in their natural habitats. Experts agree that the creatures are taking up residence in these areas to avoid the polluted waters and because the other areas are seeing low oxygen levels.
The addition of oil to water is not only polluting it in other ways, but also dwindling the amount of oxygen left in the water. The effect is similar to that of a dead-zone. Scientists are concerned that the increased life around the shoreline may in and of itself deplete oxygen levels in those locations, leading to deaths. In addition, they fear increased oil in the area may trap many near shore, unable to flee further. It also leaves many susceptible to predators.
Marine biologist from Duke University, Larry Crowder, stated: “Their ability to avoid [the spill] may be limited in the long term, especially if in near-shore refuges they’re crowding in close to shore, and oil continues to come in. At some point they’ll get trapped. It could lead to die-offs.”
