The Deepwater Horizon oil spill has been an enormous environmental disaster which started on 21 April 2010, off the BP-operated Cape Bon offshore in the Gulf of Mexico. This oil rig run by BP is considered one of the biggest man-made oil spills in modern history. On the morning of the spill, the oily slick took on a black, slimy appearance and quickly grew to an alarming level. Within hours it had spread itself across approximately twenty miles of area. It is estimated that at least three thousand dead fish died, as well as millions of crabs, shrimp, birds and marine animals.
The spill has also resulted in unprecedented damage to the ecosystem. Thousands of dead sea creatures have washed up on shores and lagoons along the coast. Thousands of dead sea animals have also washed up on shores and lagoons along the coast. Many marine animals such as shrimps, hermit crabs, jellyfish and snails have also died. As a result of the spill many species of aquatic organisms have been devastated.
Make sure to visit https://www.dutchcryptoconsultancy.nl/online-aandelen-kopen.html if you want to invest in oil stocks.
It is believed that the oil rig explosion was caused by faulty calculations during maintenance. The mishap has also resulted in extensive ecological damage. The devastation and deaths may also result in severe monetary loss for the oil company and any individual who may have been impacted by the spill. As the spill has affected the ecosystems, the cost to restore and rehabilitate the affected areas will be very expensive.
The ecological impacts of the spill extend far beyond the immediate area affected by the oil rig. It has also caused widespread changes to the eco-system and the way it operates. It is believed that the environmental impact will be far greater if no drastic action is taken to contain and clean up the mess.
Environmentalists are worried about the impact of the oil and chemicals on wildlife. They argue that the acidic water and the mud released during the spill have killed a large number of fish, both marine and freshwater. They have also pointed out that dead fish swimming in the ocean surface show symptoms of severe chemical contamination. Some species have already become extinct. Experts believe that more such mass strandings of animals will occur unless adequate action is taken to protect sea life and restore the ecological balance in the Gulf of Mexico and its surrounding areas.
The oil rig has also blocked off the local fishing community. The fishermen from the area have not been able to return to their fishing grounds because of the spill. The marine biologists have also raised questions about the impact of the oil on the species of birds that live in and on the marine ecosystem. Oil spills also affect marine ecosystem research and studies. Studies on the ecology of the Gulf of Mexico have also been disrupted due to the spill.
So far, authorities have not detected any major ecological effects resulting from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. However, scientists have warned that the pollution can be a threat to the marine ecosystem as well as people living nearby. “The spill has not only impacted the aquatic system, but it has also affected the land system as well,” said Dr. Jay Famiglie, associate professor at the Florida International University. “There are some marine creatures such as fish and turtles that are sensitive to oil.” He added, “It may take time before the effects of the oil are really felt.”
The National Environmental Protection Agency has ordered the containment of the leaked oil to make sure that the oil does not enter the soil or get into lakes or other bodies of water. The containment area is approximately five miles around. Containment is still in progress at this time.
