Marine Mammals, Oil, and the Gulf of Mexico: Perspectives on the 2010-2013 Northern Gulf of Mexico Cetacean Unusual Mortality Event

摘要

On April 20, 2010 an explosion and large fire occurred on the Deepwater Horizon (DWH) offshore oil drill killing eleven workers. After burning for approximately 36 hours, the rig sank. The resultant oil spill continued until July 15 when the well wastemporarily closed by a cap. Relief wells permanently sealed the well and it was declared "effectively dead" on September 19, 2010. The oil spill is considered the largest accidental oil spill in the history of the petroleum industry. Based on flow-ratemodels an unprecedented estimate of 4.9 million barrels of oil was released.10 Though a massive clean-up response was initiated, including the use of controlled burns and oil dispersant, extensive exposure to marine and nearshore habitats occurred. In 2012 tar balls continued to wash up along the Gulf of Mexico coast and in July 2013 a 165 feet long by 65 feet wide tar mat was found buried in the surf just off the coast of Grand Terre Island, Louisiana.