This past Saturday, a collision between an oil tanker and barge resulted in the release of 460,000 gallons of crude oil into the waterways of Port Arthur, Texas. While the US Coast Guard has indicated the spill is “contained”, WDCS is concerned that the long term impacts from this, and similar spills, are not adequately considered. The area in which the spill occurred is close to wetlands which are ecologically important for wildlife and fish species. They also serve as barriers from hurricanes and act as filters keeping surface waters clean. Without them, the survival of our coastal human communities could be in question.
According to the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), approximately 3,500 bottlenose dolphins inhabit the western coastal waters of the Gulf of Mexico and they are already known to carry pollution burdens. The dolphins may not show immediate effects of exposure to spilled oil, but this does not mean they will not be impacted, especially if their food becomes contaminated.
“One article I read said, there was no reported loss of life and only the ships and the local environment seem damaged. What it should have said was there was no obvious immediate loss of life” said Regina Asmutis-Silvia, WDCS Senior Biologist “We have to consider the long-term impacts to the environment, not just what we see today.”
While WDCS does not discount the importance fossil fuels play in all of our lives, we are asking that this be a call to use our energy responsibly. What we do today, will decide whether we have a healthy tomorrow.
For some ideas on how we can all make a difference in our daily lives, please go to our WAP blog.