Fishing vessels used to capture reef fish rest at port. (Photo by Steve Saul)

Understanding How Deepwater Horizon Affected Fishing Community Decisions

Authorities closed large portions of the Gulf of Mexico to commercial and recreational fishing following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill to contain and mitigate oil contamination of fish and seafood products. The fishing closures may have caused many fishers to search for alternative income solutions, such as relocating or chartering their vessels for the cleanup process.

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Marine animals caught during the Spring 2015 trawling cruise near the Chandeleur Islands. Atlantic Bumper dominated this haul but Lined Sea Stars were also caught as well as a Lesser Electric Ray (bottom center). (Photo courtesy of ACER)

Understanding Coastal Ecosystems Response to Environmental Stress

ACER investigates biodiversity’s role in oil spill recovery – Disturbances to coastal environments, such as storms and pollution, cause great concern as these areas are typically heavily populated, are home to important industries, and provide critical ecosystem services. Ecologists have debated coastal ecosystems response to disturbances for decades.

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Jonathan Delgardio and Will A. Overholt (Georgia Institute of Technology) collect samples from a Pensacola Beach sand trench with oil layers. (Photo by Markus Huettel)

Smithsonian Highlights How Scientists Use Genomics to Study Oil Spills

Genomics is a powerful method to track things that humans cannot see. Months and years after the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, many people wondered where the oil went or where it might be lingering or what it may affect after it was no longer visible. Scientists are using genomic techniques such as DNA sequencing to help answer some of these questions.

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