Identifying Toxic Components in Fresh and Weathered Crude Oil
Hydrocarbons associated with oil spills can have harmful effects on humans and organisms, yet little is known about the specific compounds that contribute to toxicity.
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Study finds evidence of Deepwater Horizon oil in land-based birds
The ecological consequences of an environmental disaster can extend further than one may imagine as effects propagate through interconnected food webs. Most recently, researchers in the US have found evidence suggesting that oil from the Deepwater Horizon (DWH) spillage has been incorporated into birds living on land.
New program aims to strengthen disaster response in coastal parishes
A new fellowship program organized by Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser and Tulane University’s ByWater Institute aims to bolster disaster response efforts in Louisiana’s coastal parishes.
Rapid Response Study Documents Marine Microbial Response to Hercules Gas Blowout
Research consortia involved in the GoMRI self-organized a rapid response to characterize the waters around the Hercules 265 rig. They found evidence of an immediate response from the surrounding environment’s microbial community to elevated methane concentrations.
Grad Student Pasparakis Looks to Fish Embryos for Long-Term Oil Spill Answers
Studies that investigate the effects of oil exposure on developing fish are typically conducted at otherwise non-stressful ambient conditions, which may result in conservative impact estimates. Christina Pasparakis is studying the combined effects of oil exposure and other environmental stressors to create a more comprehensive assessment of Deepwater Horizon impacts.
Sea Grant Releases Brochure on Oil Spill and Fish Lesions
The Gulf of Mexico Research Initiative is pleased to announce a new informational brochure about the connection of Deepwater Horizon and fish lesions reported in the winter following the spill. The Sea Grant Oil Spill Outreach Team reviewed published science and worked with experts to develop this brochure for a broad range of audiences, particularly those who live and work across the Gulf Coast.
Gulf oil spill research featured in special issue
The Deepwater Horizon oil spill was not only the largest ecological disaster in the U.S., but it has become the most scientifically researched oil spill. Six years since the disaster, researchers from various fields have gathered data on the environmental, economic and health impacts.
Study Advances Food Web Matrix for Improved Atlantis Ecosystem Model
Researchers analyzed diet information for 474 unique fish species to quantify likely contributions of prey to predators’ diets for an improved marine food web matrix model.