 |
| NY Times: Dead coral deep in Gulf |
Federal scientists in the Gulf of Mexico have found large areas of destroyed coral on the seabed at a depth of about 4500 feet. The mass die off is almost certainly a result of the
Deepwater Horizon disaster. The discovery was made Tuesday by scientists aboard the
Ronald Brown, a NOAA research vessel. The evidence for a causation link is still circumstantial, based on proximity to the Macondo well about seven miles away, documented subsurface oil plumes in the area, and the toxicity of crude oil. But the lead scientist said of the destruction, "I think we have the smoking gun." When a coral's survival is threatened, it emits a thick mucus to protect itself. The dying coral in the Gulf was found covered with a thick brown scum and exposed white skeleton, further evidence of poisoning. Confirmation of the cause of the coral death off awaits analysis for hydrocarbons and chemical dispersants in the samples taken. The researchers were unable to explore all of "the underwater graveyard" with available robotic submersibles. There are plans to return in December with a manned Navy mini-sub for more extensive research. Deep coral formations provide an essential habitat for other marine life in what is otherwise a cold, barren environment on the seafloor. Coral does not regrow quickly and is a sign of the lasting impact of history's largest accidental oil spill. The disturbing find is in stark contrast to earlier government reports that 70% of the spilled crude dissipated without significant damage to the environment.
