New 640,728 gallon oil spill in the Gulf?

During the Gulf Oil Spill last year one media source was on target and on the numbers, and that was the blog site Sky Truth.

While NOAA was still towing the BP corporate line of 5000 barrels a day, it was Sky Truth and their dedicated team who first estimated the flow rate was many time higher than that.

This week Sky Truth took a look at a mysterious oil spill near Grand Isle L.A, one that regional oil experts from Anglo-Suisse said was a minor event with just 4 gallons spilled.

After analysing NASA/MODIS satellite imagry Sky Truth estimates this spill to be an astonishing 640,728 gallons.

If we were betting folks in a contest between the government, who should be minding oil in the Gulf, and Sky Truth we would go with Sky Truth, the question now is, who's going to clean all this oil up?

Gulf of Mexico - Fetal Dolphin Syndrome?

Just months after America's worst oil disaster in the Gulf of Mexico a much higher than normal seasonal appearance of newborn and still born dolphins are washing ashore in at least four states.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration declared the recent dolphin deaths "an unusual mortality event," with today's numbers topping 80 animals discovered so far.

Is this a byproduct of heightened regional monitoring after a major ecological disaster, or a harbinger of things to come for the Gulf?

As top order predators regional dolphin populations are the quintessential "canary in the coal mine," the first to signal accumulated toxins in the food chain. Dolphins may have gorged on weakened fish and shrimp last summer, or may have become immune compromised passing through sub sea plumes of oil and Corexit.

Or this may just "an unusual mortality event," with no causal effect at all.

Unfortunately there is very little hard data on seasonal fetal dolphin deaths in the region. Most dolphin census data or studies look at population groups and mass strandings see example.

Hopefully the cause of fetal and calf dolphin deaths in the region can be uncovered by researchers, but as we read over at the Deep Sea News Blog from Dr.Bik last week:

Then there’s the money. Or rather, there isn’t the money. Only $50 million of BP’s promised $500 million in research money has been doled out; a scientific board has been set up to distribute the remaining $450 million, but it seems like they’re still writing ethical guidelines and drafting up an application process. Which means, probably another year before any scientists will be able to use money from this pot.

Shredding report shows NOAA chief as obstructionist - Duh

A few months into last summers Oilmageddon in the Gulf of Mexico, we had some harsh words for NOAA chief Jane Lubchenco.

One of the joys about this blog is that we get to front run issues that are obvious to all - but spoken by few.

We were not alone, as Congressmen John Tierney, Barney Frank, Massachusetts Democrats, and Walter Jones of North Carolina, all called for Lubchenco's ouster in that same year.

It did not happen.

This week others are calling for the head on a plate of NOAA's leader over an apparent "shredding scandal" of sensitive fisheries documents. According to Lubchenco's office shredding documents is not widespread within NOAA, and this was a one time anomaly.

Really?

The bottom line is this and we said it back in August, "Life is defined by moments of crises when people in positions of power are called upon to act beyond their constraints, rise above them, and lead."

Jane Lubchenco is incapable of leadership. She aptly demonstrated that during America's worst oil crises by towing the BP party line time and again, much to the shock and consternation of those who have been following her disaster of a career at NOAA.

So, once again, we are suggesting that Jane Lubchenco , "Pack her Disney lunch box with the picture of Ariel on it and begone from Washington, begone from ocean policy, and begone from any position that requires her to be in leadership."


More on the shredding scandal.

Fire NOAA's Jane Lubchenco -Today!

This woman is menace to your oceans.

As NOAA's Director during Americas foremost ecological disaster she proudly wore, and then hid behind, a pair of glided policy handcuffs of her own design as if they were some sort of magic talisman.

Life is defined by moments of crises when people in positions of power are called upon to act beyond their constraints, rise above them, and lead.

Not so for Ms.Jane Lubchenco who, during the Gulf Oil Disaster misrepresented facts, stalled, berated independent researchers, and towed the BP corporate line whenever and wherever possible.

From NOAA's low ball estimates on oil leaking into the Gulf, 5000 barrels a day, to outright data suppression, her time as NOAA's Chief demonstrated a lack of will, lack of understanding, and a not so carefully concealed Academic C-Y-A Dance that all but shocked anyone who has been monitoring the events as they unfolded.

Her tenure at the job during and after the crises has been piss poor at best, at worst may well let BP walk away from responsibility to existing oil still in the Gulf, oil her offices say does not exist.

As Hurricane Katrina was to Brownie Brown, another next to useless public servant, Ms.Lubchenco should pack her Disney lunch box with the picture of Ariel on it and begone from Washington, begone from ocean policy, and begone from any position that requires her to be in leadership.

President Obama unwisely chose a global warming advocate for NOAA's Chief, never imagining that policy wonks make poor generals in times of crises.

Sylvia Earle - Death Row Whale Sharks?

OCEAN SPRING, Miss. – Dr. Eric Hoffmayer, a University of Southern Mississippi research scientist at the university’s Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, has joined forces with world-renowned oceanographer Dr. Sylvia Earle and Mission Blue to study the impact of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill on Gulf of Mexico whale sharks.


Hoffmayer and Earle recently spent three days in the Gulf of Mexico where they discovered an extraordinary gathering of more than 100 feeding whale sharks 90 miles south of Grand Isle, La., and approximately 60 miles west of the oil spill.


“This may be one of the largest gatherings of whale sharks in the northern Gulf of Mexico observed by science,” explained Earle.

Hoffmayer and Earle photo identified scores of whale sharks and tagged four of them. One of the tags was equipped with satellite tracking sensors. Those sensors allow anyone to follow the shark over the Internet via www.GTOPP.org and Google Ocean.



“Whale Sharks are presently considered a ‘vulnerable species,’ which is a mere single notch down from being considered an endangered species,” said Hoffmayer.


Earle, who is currently an explorer-in-residence at National Geographic, is a highly respected and influential oceanographer. “I can only hope to do in my career a fraction of what she has done. Hopefully her involvement will help bring resources to the study of these threatened animals,” said Hoffmayer.


Whale sharks are filter feeders, meaning they siphon marine organisms at the surface of the water as food. With dispersed oil floating on the water surface, whale sharks will ingest the chemical substance along with their food.


“Some have said that these are death row whale sharks in the Gulf of Mexico, and that could be true,” said Earle. “Because of their feeding habits, skimming right at the surface where the oil accumulates, they’re in harm’s way.”


Indeed, since the tagging expedition, Hoffmayer has heard reports of whale sharks swimming in oil near the Deepwater Horizon spill site. “I don’t think there is any question we’re going to lose whale sharks to this oil spill. That’s why we need to tag these sharks so that we can determine how they are impacted by the oil,” said Hoffmayer. “Whale sharks are gentle giants that grow between 40 to 50 feet long and aren’t aware of the oil spill around them,” explained Hoffmayer. “They are very susceptible to the oil because they spend so much time at the surface of the water.”


The entire Whale Shark tagging expedition was captured by film director Robert Nixon and an Insurgent Media film crew which is filming Mission Blue, a feature documentary following Earle on her quest to protect the world’s oceans.



“Interacting with these death row whale sharks was a transformative experience. We may not be able to save these gentle giants from the oil. We do hope our underwater footage of Dr. Hoffmayer tagging whale sharks will galvanize the public to act to save the oceans, our life support system,” declared Earle.


For more information on the research underway by Hoffmayer visit here.


For more information on Insurgent Media and Mission Blue, contact director Robert Nixon at

RHNixon@me.com


About The University of Southern Mississippi

The University of Southern Mississippi, founded in 1910, is a comprehensive doctoral and research-extensive university fulfilling its mission of being a leading university in engaging and empowering individuals to transform lives and communities. In a tradition of leadership for student development, Southern Miss is educating a 21st century work force providing intellectual capital, cultural enrichment and innovation to Mississippi and the world. Southern Miss is located in Hattiesburg, Miss., with an additional campus and teaching and research sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast; further information is found at www.usm.edu.

Oilmegeddon Video When Oceans Catch Fire

NOAA's "Non de Plume"

British Petroleum's CEO Tony Hayward, when not stuffing size 12 Gucci loafers into his mouth at every press opportunity, says there are no sub surface oil plumes.

His latest statement contradicts teams from the University of South Florida, the University of Georgia, Southern Mississippi University who say there are.

In the middle of this "debate" is NOAA, a government agency tasked with all things ocean.

Jane Lubchenco, head of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, called media reports of large underwater oil plumes "premature," adding that research conducted by an academic ocean institute was inconclusive.

Are you kidding me?

Sub surface oil plumes are part of BP's ongoing strategy, we covered this many weeks ago. Anyone except NOAA it seems, can understand why BP would prefer oil to remain suspended at depth. It is also the reason why BP is ignoring EPA directives to stop using COREXIT, their dispersant of choice in the region.

With a disaster of this magnitude you have to wonder why NOAA is ignoring respected Gulf researchers, working the media cycle in tandem with BP, and basically making a laughing stock of the agency?

BP Oilmegeddon Images - Aquaman Wins!

The search for The Ultimate BP Oilmegeddon Image is over and we have declared a winner.

The Aquaman BP comic book cover now making the rounds is the hands down classic. With small details like the June date in the right hand corner and the 12 cent cover hearkening back to the 1960's and a time when oil and household chemicals were our friends.

To whoever the mystery creator is behind this first rate BP image slam we say a hearty thank you.

Cannot wait until there's a T-shirt available we'll will buy a few dozen for friends and family.

The irony here being that the logo will have to be created out of an oil based product, damn you irony!

US Coast Guard Admiral Asks James Cameron For Oil Help

7th Coast Guard District

U.S. Coast Guard


News Release

Date: May 28, 2010

Contact: Anna M. Tulane

(305) 797-4444

US Coast Guard Admiral Asks James Cameron For Alien Help With BP Spill

KEY WEST, Fla. - Coast Guard Admiral Thad Allen asked Hollywood filmmaker James Cameron (Titanic, The Abyss, Avatar) for help with the ongoing British Petroleum spill in the Gulf of Mexico today.

"We're hoping he can ask his alien buddies from that movie The Abyss down there to help us shut down this well," said Admiral Allen in a press conference with Mr.Cameron today.

In 1989 director Cameron featured deep sea aliens who could stop nuclear bombs from exploding and had complete alien powers over water, being able to move ships and equipment with ease at depth.

Capt. Matt DeAngelo, commanding officer of Sector Key West, Florida has been tasked with coordinating with The Abyss Aliens once they arrive, establishing a Unified Abyss Alien Command comprised of members from the Coast Guard, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Department of the Interior.

"We need to use every asset at our disposal, and these aliens seem like the best option we have at the moment after a month of failed efforts and millions of gallons of oil and dispersant floating around out there" DeAngelo said. "We will continue to operate the Unified Abyss Alien Command as long as the aliens want to work with us, from what I have seen they are pretty handy with equipment."

Efforts to contact The Abyss Aliens will start at 11.30 Eastern with the blowing of Conch Shells from vessels stationed in the 30,000 square mile disaster zone.

The public is asked to report the sighting of any Abyss Aliens to the U.S. Coast Guard at 1 (800) 444-8802.

The public is reminded that The Abyss Aliens are shy and delicate comprised of "jelly like" material, which while not dangerous to most people can cause an allergic reaction and should only be touched by trained personnel.

###



The following Underwater Onion brought to you by Shark Diver. Attempting levity in the face of America's Oceanic Chernobyl.

Oil Spill in the Gulf - Video of shark in oil

Responding to outside pressure BP, NOAA, and the Coast Guard are now admitting the amount of oil being spilled into the Gulf is far greater than 5000 barrels a day. A task force has now been set up to discover the true extent of the ongoing oil spill.

Scientists, observers and the media have made far ranging estimates from 25-100,000 barrels a day.

BP also set up a 24/7 live video feed one clip featured a deep water shark blundering into the oil plume at a depth of 5000 feet and swimming away with visibly blackened gills:

Michael Hanlon Daily Mail U.K - Oil Disaster?

Michael Hanlon, a writer for the Daily Mail in the U.K says the Gulf disaster will, eventually, become a footnote to history, with the oil vanishing and life returning to normal.

He likens those who have expressed deep concern for the month long oil spill as "doom-mongers."

At least that's the gist of what he is saying, using time stamp events from other oil disasters around the world including Cornwalls own disaster in 1967 to make his point.

The oceans of the 1950's-70's were different oceans. The preponderance of data from today's oceans show an unhealthy trend. Many commercial fish stocks, like the Atlantic Bluefin Tuna are at their lowest recorded levels and a rise in ocean acidification is putting extreme pressure on marine life worldwide.

The Atlantic Bluefin spawns in the Gulf at this time of year and these delicate fry, an entire generation of larval tuna which inhabit the same trophic layers as the Gulf oil spill and close to a million gallons of dispersant, are under threat.

Unlike other oil disasters worldwide the Gulf region is one of the most studies regions on the planet and unlike other oil disasters this one is happening at a time where the health of the oceans is better known today than it was the 1950's-70's.

The science of this disaster will be a template for other oil spills in the future. While the future of many species of marine life from Mexico to Cuba remains uncertain.

Oil Spill Update - NOAA Ignoring Scientists?

At the beginning of the BP oil disaster 25 days ago we were introduced to Sky Truth.

Their estimates of the amount of oil being spilled into the Gulf were far higher than official estimates by NOAA and the Coast Guard which they maintain is 5000 barrels a day.

Since then NPR and other Gulf coast researchers are estimating the flow of oil to be 40-80,000 barrels a day.

So we called Rachel A. Wilhelm, a NOAA public affairs specialist, and asked her to comment on May 10th, 2010. Her response was surprising, "the actual amount of oil being spilled into the Gulf is irrelevant at this time." It was evident NOAA was uninterested in any challenges to the official flow estimates.

Today's headlines seem to mirror our earlier encounters with NOAA:

Florida State scientist: NOAA ignores spill findings

A prominent oceanographer, who was among the first to say official estimates understated the volume of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill, charged Tuesday that a federal agency is punishing scientists whose findings disagree with government figures. Ian MacDonald, an oceanographer with Florida State University, who more than two weeks ago said the oil spill was likely five times as large as the 5,000 barrel-a-day estimate from the National Oceanic Atmospheric and Administration, said the agency is attacking scientists who challenged government estimates, while itself doing little to glean new information about the spill size.

“The scientific community in the Gulf of Mexico is fairly small ... and we've been very dedicated for a long time and not only is nobody listening to us in this, but it seems like they really want us to shut up,” MacDonald said. “It's very, very punitive and anybody who is doing this is getting attacked by NOAA.”

A NOAA spokesman did not address MacDonald's claims directly, but said that the agency's spill response includes scientists with key federal agencies as well as partners in the scientific community and the private sector.

The stinging criticism comes amid debate about the size of the oil spill emanating from BP's Macondo well about 40 miles off the coast of Louisiana. An April 20 blowout in a well under 5,000 feet of water triggered the oil spill, destroyed the Deepwater Horizon drilling rig, and killed 11 workers.

Some independent scientists have made estimates that sharply depart from NOAA's estimate, which equates to 210,000 gallons a day.

Complete story.