By now, we’ve all heard about the recent oil spill and its devastating effects on the Gulf of Mexico. But what many don’t realize is just how much of an impact this could have on the animals who call the Gulf their home, if it is not stopped soon. Since the deadly oil rig explosion of April 20, hundreds of thousands of gallons of oil have tainted the Gulf, causing damage that is simply beyond repair.
There are more than 400 species of wildlife that inhabit the Gulf of Mexico, many of which are endangered or close to it. Animals that are in danger include Kemp’s Ridley sea turtles, brown pelicans, dolphins, sperm whales, bluefin tuna, oysters, shrimp, and other shellfish.
Kemp’s Ridley sea turtles are an endangered species, and over 30 have been found dead since the Gulf oil spill. Officials are now concerned that the oil spill could wipe out the blue crab species, which is these turtles’ main source of food. The oil also has the potential of reaching nesting areas and killing the next generation of turtle hatchlings.
Brown pelicans are a former member of the endangered species list, and experts are afraid that they may be added to the list once again as a result of this oil spill.
“This will be devastating to the region,” Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary representative Michelle Simoneau said. “These birds and the baby birds which are all being born now are not going to be able to live in their natural habitat because of the oil and the damage it is doing.”
Fortunately, there are local organizations that are ready and willing to aid any animals that are harmed by the oil in the event that it reaches our area. The Clearwater Marine Aquarium and the Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary are working to get their staff trained in handling hazardous materials, so that they would be able to properly care for any oil-coated sea creatures that arrive for rehabilitation. The Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary has gathered over 400 volunteers who plan to help out with oil-covered wildlife or beach cleanups if the oil reaches our shores.
There are ways that the general public can help as well. “We encourage people to contact their state representative to let them know how upset [they are] and how irresponsible this was, and that we do not want to have more oil drilling added in the Gulf,” Simoneau said. “We also want to encourage people to volunteer to assist organizations affected by this tragedy.”
The Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary is currently collecting donations of supplies such as kennels, towels, gas gift cards, paper towels, and bottled water that could help volunteers as they assist in wildlife rehabilitation.