Twelve years ago on 20 April 2010, the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill occurred in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico dealing unimaginable effects on the local health and environment. The blowout sent toxic fumes and liquids up the well, leading to an explosion that killed 11 people and injured another 115 crew members. A few days later, the rig sank and break off the pipe connection to the well releasing almost 130 million gallons of crude oil into the Gulf of Mexico for an extended period of 3 months (Meiners, 2020). It was the biggest oil spill ever in U.S. waters and remains one of the worst environmental disaster in history (Ebinger, 2016). Even today, the impact of this disaster remains a concern in the Gulf of Mexico. 

Effects on marine life 

PAH, or polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, is a chemical that is carcinogenic in high concentrations and can interfere with biological processes. PAH was found up to 8 miles from the wreckage site and was later found to be causing cardiac arrest in fish. Additionally, pockets of methane led to oxygen-starved zones, which caused marine life to smother. Large numbers of fish kills in the area were reported. Prior to the spill, only about 0.1% of fish in the Gulf of Mexico had lesions or sores. In the aftermath of the spill, that number spiked to 20% (National Environmental Trainers, n.d.). 

Effects on society 

The oil spill impacted the fishing and seafood, tourism, and oil and gas industries. Government agencies closed oiled waters to recreational and commercial fishing; visitors cancelled their vacations, and the government stopped offshore drilling projects for six months. Residents that relied on these industries for their source of income or had lost income because of the oil spill were more likely to feel anxious or depressed. Citizens on the Gulf Coast had increased levels of anxiety, depression, and respiratory issues that lasted for several years after the catastrophe (Graham, 2016). Other coastal residents had similar symptoms including skin rashes, muscle cramps, pneumonia, migraines, and much more. 

Aftermath 

The environmental impact of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill is still evident a decade later. There is some hope though. The fishing industry in the area has seen their catches return to normal levels. Oysters in many areas of the gulf are returning. Tests on edible seafood caught in that area do not show excess hydrocarbons in the food supply in the region. However, other species and areas are not showing the same kind of promise. Dolphin numbers are down. As late as 2013, Cat Island, an important bird rookery, was still devoid of the mangroves that had provided shelter, leading pelicans and other birds unable to use the area (National Environmental Trainers, n.d.). 

 

References

Graham (2016) Oil Spill Science: Sea Grant Programs of the Gulf of Mexico.

Meiners, J. (2020) “Ten years later, BP oil spill continues to harm wildlife—especially dolphins” Retrieved from: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/2020/04/how-is-wildlife-doing-now–ten-years-after-the-deepwater-horizon/ 

National Environmental Trainers (n.d) “The Environmental Impact of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill” Retrieved from: https://www.natlenvtrainers.com/blog/article/the-environmental-impact-of-the-deepwater-horizon-oil-spill