Greenpeace exposes real impact of spill in Gulf as Arctic Sunrise continues three-month tour
Photo: Greenpeace Esperanza | Esperanza
ARCTIC SUNRISE, GULF OF MEXICO—The Greenpeace ship, the Arctic Sunrise, is on a mission to reveal the ecosystem impacts of the BP Deepwater disaster, from the sponges on the ocean floor to the plankton on the surface, exposing the true nature and extent of the disaster. Recent research from the University of Georgia estimates that as much as 80 percent of the oil is still present in the ocean, in direct contradiction to recent NOAA reports which have been widely condemned as misrepresenting the facts. A new study from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution refutes the previously released claim that the oil is being degraded quickly by microbes. Scientists have been united in saying that it is clear that more scientific assessment is needed to understand the many impacts on the system so Greenpeace is beginning a large-scale, independent scientific research expedition.
“It is clear that the research that has been released so far does not tell the whole story. As NOAA spins their research to make it look like the problem has simply disappeared, and the government withholds research and information, it is crucial that scientists examine the impacts independent of BP or government influence. Greenpeace plans to show the true cost of offshore drilling” said Greenpeace Deputy Campaigns Director Dan Howells. “Once we know the true costs to the ecosystem and economy it will be clear that we simply can’t afford another BP Deepwater disaster.”
On board the Arctic Sunrise, last week, scientists from Nova Southeastern University’s Oceanographic Center, Dr. Jose Lopez and Dr. Charles Messing, joined a Greenpeace dive team to study the health and biodiversity of the reefs in the Dry Tortugas off Key West, Florida, an area that could have been, and may still be affected by the BP Deepwater disaster. As long as we continue drilling, we’re putting irreplaceable coral reefs at serious risks. Dr. Lopez’s work on sponges may reveal trace amounts of oil affecting the ecosystem. Since sponges can filter large volumes (up to several thousand liters) of seawater per day, they could show traces of the impact of oil or dispersants.
“It’s possible that the oil from the BP spill may have been so effectively submerged and ‘miniaturized’ that resident bottom organisms, such as sponges, can best detect the oil or dispersants at the molecular level. What we learn here could help confirm the dire effects of our addiction to fossil fuels,” said Dr. Jose Lopez of Nova Southeastern University.
This week, Tulane University researchers Caz Taylor and Erin Grey will conduct plankton tows in order to assess the status and health of blue crab larvae. Not only is the blue crab fishery economically important, but the blue crab is a key species in the Gulf food web. Sue Rocca, a biologist from the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society will also be on board to conduct marine mammal surveys. Additional scientists will join the expedition in September.
“Although the full impact of this spill will not be known for years the lessons are clear – there needs to be a change in energy policy from relying on dirty fossil fuels to clean renewable sources which begins by stopping the unchallenged expansion of the oil industry.” said Paul Horsman, Global Campaigns Director Global Campaign for Climate Action and the tcktcktck campaign [1]
Supporters can follow the Arctic Sunrise throughout the Gulf expedition online at www.greenpeace.org/usa/oilspilltruth. The website features a map that tracks the location and updates from the ship including photos, video, blogs, and Twitter.
1. TckTckTck is an unprecedented global alliance, representing hundreds of millions of people from all walks of life. It is made up of leading international, national and local organizations addressing environment, development, poverty, human rights, health and humanitarian issues. It represents faith-based groups, youth groups, trade unions and individuals all calling for a fair, ambitious and binding climate change agreement. The world is ready! www.tcktcktck.org
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TckTckTck is the public campaign of the Global Campaign for Climate Action. The GCCA is an unprecedented alliance of more than 300 non-profit organizations all over the world. Our shared mission is to mobilize civil society and galvanize public support to ensure a safe climate future for people and nature, to promote the low-carbon transition of our economies, and to accelerate the adaptation efforts in communities already affected by climate change.View Author Profile
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