Skip to content
Sign In Subscribe
Environment

Gulf Of Mexico Marine Life Plunged 60% After BP Oil Spill, Study Finds

Researchers found that the BP-operated well released 134 million gallons of oil into the region, where foundational marine species have shown little visible recovery over 13 years.

,   and  TIPP Staff
2 min read
Marine life dramatically declined in Gulf of Mexico since BP oil spill, study finds. Pic via(@CTVNews)

Marine life in the Gulf of Mexico’s twilight zone declined by approximately 60% following the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill, according to a study published Monday in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Researchers found that the BP-operated well released 134 million gallons of oil into the region, where foundational marine species have shown little visible recovery over 13 years.

💡
The study documented population declines of 72% in krill, 63.5% in fish, 62% in crustaceans, and 59.7% in squid and octopuses. Researchers also found that oil and chemical dispersants affected marine life differently, with pollutants accumulating in the eggs of surviving fish and potentially harming subsequent generations.

Marine scientist Boris Worm said the prolonged damage should inform discussions about deep-sea mining. National Science Foundation Director Rita Colwell urged greater emphasis on oil-degrading microbes rather than chemical dispersants when responding to future spills.

Related Tweet:

Also Read:

One Of America’s Largest Industries Is In Danger, New Documentary Warns
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, America imported $20.3 billion more seafood than it exported in 2023
tippinsightsTIPP Staff

Comments

Related

Latest