Immediate damage was limited but previous oil spills, including the Exxon Valdez disaster, have proven oil creates long lasting harm in marine ecosystems.
Although the numbers of oiled seabirds in rehabilitation during the early stages of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill has been low, this does not mean the impacts of this disaster on marine wildlife will remain moderate. The effect of the Deepwater Horizon oil rig blowout on long term wildlife health can only be guessed at, but based on historic data from other spills, the marine environment will not recover for many years to come.
Impacts of the Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill on Wildlife may not be Immediately Known
In the early stages of the spill, lightly oiled seabirds were being seen. These seabirds, although affected by the oil, were still able to fly, making them much more difficult to capture. This also increased the risk that the birds were returning to nests to sit on eggs or feed young, spreading the oil into nesting areas where it will remain to chronically affect those nests.
The effects of oil spills on species such as dolphins and sea turtles are more difficult to determine. Post mortem studies of non-surviving marine wildlife will help determine whether the Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill played a part in their death. Long term studies of contaminant levels, overall health and reproductive success will be needed before the full impact of the oil on these species is understood.
Chemical Dispersants Negatively Impact Marine Wildlife
The use of dispersants will also have an effect on the health of wildlife in the area. The dispersants in question – Corexit 9500 and Corexit EC9527A – are forms of kerosene, a chemical as toxic as the oil it is intended to disperse. The treated oil sinks to the seabed where it then affects benthic species.
The dispersants also reactivate the volatile components of the oil when they break it down, exposing wildlife to these toxic chemicals a second time. Corexit 9500 has also been shown to have immediate damaging effects on the feathers of birds.
Long Term Studies Show Ongoing Environmental Impacts From Oil Spills
Gulf Oil Spill Will Have Long Term Effects on Marine Wildlife