Deepwater Crisis: Oil Spill Coverage from The Wildlife Society
On April 20, 2010 the “Deepwater Horizon” oil rig operated by Beyond Petroleum (formerly British Petroleum) exploded in the Gulf of Mexico 130 miles southeast of New Orleans.
Oil began spewing from the crippled drill site 5,000 feet below the surface of the Gulf. Initial leak estimates of 5,000 barrels per day soared to 200,000 barrels per day by early May—threatening to cause what some fear may be the worst environmental disaster in U.S. history.
Among the legions of responders addressing the crisis, wildlife professionals with expertise in toxicology, wetlands, and fisheries have mobilized to assess and mitigate potential impacts on wildlife populations in the Gulf region—home to brown pelicans (Pelecanus occidentalis), royal terns (Sterna maxima), snowy plovers (Charadrius alexandrinus), several sea turtle populations, and myriad other species.
As the leading scientific society for wildlife professionals, The Wildlife Society is tracking the crisis and offering critical, current information for its members and the public, including:
On April 20, 2010 the “Deepwater Horizon” oil rig operated by Beyond Petroleum (formerly British Petroleum) exploded in the Gulf of Mexico 130 miles southeast of New Orleans.