# DEEP IMPACT ON THE GULF COAST!

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2012/03/deep-impact-on-the-gulf-coast/
- Published: 2012-03-27T00:12:11-04:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

## Deep Impact: The Lingering Effects of the Deepwater Horizon Disaster

The 2010 Deepwater Horizon gulf oil spill may have faded from the headlines, but
its [repercussions](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/03/gulf-caucus-restoring-the-gulf-coast-together/)
continue to ripple through the Gulf Coast’s environment and economy. With approximately
4.9 million barrels of crude oil released into the Gulf, recent research underscores
the [long-lasting damage](https://greenlivingguy.com/2010/08/oceana-to-use-rovs-to-help-everyone-know-whats-up-in-the-gulf-coast/)
to the region’s ecosystem.

### Unseen Devastation Below the Surface

Marine scientist Samantha Joye from the University of Georgia has highlighted the
profound impact on life near the seafloor. Studies using submersibles have revealed
a distressing layer. That’s up to 10 cm thick, of dead marine life and oil. This
deep impact is devastation. I mean not just a snapshot in time. However. it’s a 
harbinger of future ecological challenges.

![Deep Impact! Oil is seen on the tip of the bill of an oil-soaked pelican on an
island in Barataria Bay just off the the coast of Louisiana, Sunday, May 23, 2010.](
https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/birdoil.jpg?resize
=255%2C344&quality=52&ssl=1 "Deep impact. Gulf oil spill")

Oil is seen on the tip of the bill of an oil-soaked pelican on an island in Barataria
Bay just off the the coast of Louisiana, Sunday, May 23, 2010.

 1. Deep Impact on the Food Chain: The removal of filter-feeding organisms, invertebrate
    worms, corals, and also sea fans from the ecosystem disrupts the food chain. It’s
    also potentially affecting species vital to fisheries.
 2. Long-Term Consequences: According to Professor Joye, it could take a decade before
    the full impact on the Gulf is understood. The deep impacts are with significant
    implications for biodiversity and also more importantly, the fishing industry.

#### Deep Impact: The Road to Recovery

Efforts to repair the environmental and economic damage are ongoing. However, the
path to recovery is long and complex. The spill’s effects serve as a stark reminder
of the delicate balance within marine ecosystems. Moreover and the far-reaching 
consequences of human actions.

For more on sustainable living and environmental insights, dive into the [Green Guides](https://greenlivingguy.com/2016/07/what-is-intelligent-mobility-ask-nissan/).
That’s where you can find practical tips on conducting energy audits to reduce your
utility bills and carbon footprint.

(“Gulf spill’s effects ‘may not be seen for a decade,’ ” BBC News, February 20, 
2011)

[http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-12520630](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-12520630)

<

p style=”color: #222222;”>**_[Source: Pew Research Center](https://www.pewtrusts.org/en/search?topic=Oceans,Land,Environment%20Science&sortBy=date&sortOrder=desc&page=1)_**

![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/df91669667126e1290c21ee0342c386e2da19d588d4d9ca6560bd82ed59a9641?
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 greenlivingguy

 The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living
expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author,
Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The
Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides
and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant
and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric
Vehicle by Seth Leitman # Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel # Green
Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For 
Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke #
Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power
System by Brian Clark Howard and Kevin Shea # and more green living books to follow.

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