Newswise — The environmental and economic impacts of the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico likely will be devastating, says Dr. Julia Cherry, assistant professor in New College and Biological Sciences, who is conducting research on wetlands near the Gulf of Mexico.
The oil spill is threatening fragile estuaries, bays, and coastal wetlands that are home to a diverse array of ecologically and economically important species from plants and algae to fishes, mammals and waterfowl. Contamination of oysters, shrimp, and other commercially important fisheries will likely have far reaching economic effects on the region, and recreation and tourism industries along the Gulf Coast also may suffer.
Because oil spills become increasingly difficult and expensive to clean-up once they come ashore, a long-term commitment to remediation will be required to overcome the environmental impacts of this spill.
More contacts on the Gulf of Mexico oil spill: •Dr. Peter Clark, associate professor of chemical and biological engineering, is an expert on oil production and could discuss petroleum engineering, the rig, wellhead, and other operational issues.
•Dr. Philip Johnson, associate professor of civil, construction and environmental engineering, is an expert in petroleum engineering and could discuss the rig, wellhead, and other operational issues. Johnson can also discuss the environmental impact and cleanup.
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