An examination of life at the site of oil seeps and non-refined oil spills

Thesis: Natural unrefined oil in the ocean is bad for those animals that get coated in it or whose organs are damaged by it. But, there are species that can feed on non-refined oil, could there be a value added from the nutrients in such seeps and spills that support life?

Background: During his early years at NOAA Fisheries, Dr. Everett coordinated the exploratory fishing and gear research surveys of the agency. He marveled at the large quantities of shrimp that were brought up from deep canyons in the Gulf of Mexico. The shrimp were covered in oil and oil residues. It was apparent that the shrimp were feeding on bacteria that were eating the oil. The thought has always lingered as to the role of these natural oil seeps in providing nutrients to the otherwise barren ocean. And then by extension, what happens to the oil released in major oil spills as well as the routine leakages from pipe lines and oil rigs. Is it as harmful as is portrayed or is there perhaps some benefit as well. And if there is benefit - what is the net value to the environment?

Approach: Examination of macro ecosystem changes after a major oil disster, such as a tanker accident or oil rig collapse

No details available yet. Project under development.

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Everett-Vehrs Conservation and Research Foundation
4007 N. Abingdon Street
Arlington, Virginia USA 22207