英语 墨西哥湾漏油事件

Coastal wetlands and intertidal zones
The Gulf of Mexico contains nearly half of the coastal wetlands in the United States. Marshes, estuaries and bayous provide critical nursery and feeding grounds for hundreds of marine species. A large percentage of marine species that live in the open ocean as adults spend one critical life stage in coastal wetlands. Earlier oil spill studies in a comparable ecosystem showed extensive mortality in mangroves, sea grasses, coral reefs and algae from the spill.
Effects on Wildlife and Habitats
Every kind of marine animal in the Gulf of Mexico, from dolphins, turtles and seabirds to single-celled plankton, could be affected by the oil contamination in the Gulf. Images of oiled sea turtles, pelicans and dolphins continue to provoke public outcry. These charismatic animals are among the most visible, yet they are really just the signature species that represent an entire ecosystem under threat.
Sea turtles
Five of the world’s seven sea turtle species can be found in the Gulf. The region is the only major habitat for adult Kemp’s ridley sea turtles, which are the most endangered species of sea turtles. When sea turtles surface in oil-covered water, they can breathe in the oil vapors and residues, which can get into their lungs and cause major respiratory problems. Oil can get into the animals’ eyes, potentially causing damage to vision. If oil gets into sea turtles' mouths and they ingest it, it can potentially damage their internal organs.
The Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill
The 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill is an expanding threat to ocean life—a threat that could ultimately extend well beyond the Gulf. From the April 20 Deepwater Horizon explosion to the July 15 placement of a temporary cap on the leaking well, the Department of the Interior estimates 35,000 to 60,000 barrels (1,470,000 to 2,520,000 gallons) of crude oil spilled into the Gulf daily. At the low end, that's enough to fill the Aquarium's Giant Ocean Tank around 600 times
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Ecosystem effects
Although detailed effects of the chemical dispersants on wildlife and ecosystems are not well studied, the chemicals used are toxic to a variety of organisms, and they have never been previously used on this wide a scale. Oil will likely reduce the amount and health of all prey species, reducing the food available for marine mammals, seabirds and sea turtles. Plankton is the foundation for nearly all life in the Gulf of Mexico (and the ocean), and they will most likely be affected. Contaminants from the spill and the dispersants are likely to concentrate in the upper food chain, affecting whales, dolphins, birds and sharks.
Cetaceans (dolphins and whales)
When whales, dolphins and porpoises surface to breathe, oily water can cover their blowholes and enter their lungs, making breathing difficult. Oil contamination is likely to have detrimental effects on cetacean reproduction and long-term health.
Birds
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Seabirds get covered with oil while diving into oily waters to fish. The birds may ingest oil when they eat prey that is covered in or has ingested oil. Once birds are covered with oil, they have difficulty flying, or are completely unable to fly, making feeding and getting away from predators impossible.
The Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill
The Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill
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The Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill Effects on Wildlife and Habitats Cetaceans (dolphins and whales) Sea turtles Birds Fishes Coastal wetlands and intertidal zones Ecosystem effects
Fishes
Scientists have observed fish species moving into near-shore areas with less oil contamination, indicating that they may be fleeing significant habitat impacts in deeper waters. The Gulf is a breeding ground for bluefin tuna, and the oil spill coincides with egg production. Larvae of tuna and other fishes eat anything they see in the water, including oil droplets. Studies on a variety of fish larvae suggests that ingestion of both oil droplets and dispersants causes adverse effects, including mutations, physiological problems and increased mortality.