Gulf oil spill An ecological disaster

Analysts say the oil leak is a severe threat to sea life in the Gulf of Mexico, and could damage the fragile ecosystem. The Gulf of Mexico coastal area is one of the world's richest seafood suppliers, providing shrimp and oysters for a very wide market. About 70 percent of the shrimp consumed in the US is caught there. It's an industry worth over 400 million US dollars. With the start of the shrimp season, the spill is likely to cause severe damage to the industry. Fishermen, in the region have filed a lawsuit against oil giant British Petroleum. Another concern, is that over 40 percent of the everglades in the US are located nearby. The Gulf is also an important stop for migrating birds. Analysts, say tides and winds could PUSH the oil deep into the marsh.

• 2010-05-03T09:05:56+00:00
• Duration: 00:49

Share

Keywords

Analysts say oil leak severe threat to sea life Gulf of Mexico and could damage fragile ecosystem The Gulf of Mexico coastal area one of world's richest seafood suppliers providing shrimp and oysters for very wide market About 70 percent of shrimp consumed US caught there It's an industry worth over 400 million US dollars With start of shrimp season spill likely to cause severe damage to industry Fishermen region have filed lawsuit against oil giant British Petroleum Another concern that over 40 percent of everglades US are located nearby Gulf also an important stop for migrating birds Analysts say tides and winds could PUSH oil deep into marsh