1. Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill, Fisheries, Seafood, and Wildlife
Use this image to discuss how public perceptions can detract from the science being presented

2. Overview Gulf Fisheries Concerns Seafood Health and Safety
General Threats to Wildlife
Turtles
Mammals
Birds
Photo credit: Carolyn Shaw, LA Times

3. Deepwater Horizon Wellhead
The Deepwater Horizon Oil Rig sank April 22, 2010 approximately 41 miles off the Louisiana coast.

4. Impacts to Coastal Habitats
The Gulf of Mexico has more than half of the coastal wetlands in the continental U.S.
Photo credit: Carolyn Shaw, LA Times
Vegetation coverage
Smother, stress, potential death
Weakened marsh soils
Potential accelerated erosion from waves and storms
Persistence of oil and byproducts
Beaches, marshes, water column
Long-term effects?????
Photo Credit: Dauphin Island Sea Lab
The GOM has more than ½ of the coastal wetlands in the lower 48 states. LA, alone has approx 40% alone.
97% (weight) of commercial fish and shellfish landings from GOM depend on estuaries and their wetlands at some point in their life cycle. It is unknown how, specifically these important nursery areas will be impacted by the oil spill.
The good news is that in terms of acreage the percent of marshlands covered by oil is minimal. However, this is misleading b/c in most places there is a ban ft wide that is covered in oil that stretches for 100’s of miles. Negative effects of oil on organisms and ecosystems are well-documented- Harm through physical contact, inhalation, ingestion, and absorption. Oil has potential to persist in the environment long after a spill. Contact in the water may be exacerbated by use of surfactants, weather conditions, and dispersal methods which increase mixing

5. Gulf of Mexico Commercial Fisheries
More than 3 million recreational anglers took 24 million fishing trips in the Gulf of Mexico in 2008 and contributed well over a billion dollars to the Gulf economy. Source NOAA
One of most productive fisheries in the world
Dockside Value $661.4 million
$365.5 million from shrimp
In 2008, the dockside value of commercial fisheries was $659 million.
4 of the top 10 Commercial Ports are found in the Gulf of Mexico (3-LA and 1-MS)
From NFI “only 2% of the seafood most Americans consume is harvested from the Gulf.”
From Gulf Sea Grant Oil Spill Website:
The estuarine influence of the Mississippi River makes the northern Gulf of Mexico one of the world’s most productive commercial fisheries. Dockside values in 2008 for the five U.S. states bordering the northern Gulf of Mexico exceeded $661.4 million. More than half of this value is attributable to the shrimp fishery, which accounted for more than $366.5 million in income to harvesters in Additional fisheries of major economic importance to the region include: oysters ($60.2 million), crabs ($58.5 million) and menhaden ($64.3 million).
Source: NMFS 2008
Photo credit: Tx Parks and Wildlife
Photo credit- shrimp, crab, oysters: Katie Semons, NOAA
Shrimp
Blue crab
Oysters
Menhaden

6. Fisheries Impacts? Egg, larvae, juvenile mortality
Declines in recruitment to older class structures
Negative impacts on rebuilding plans
Short and long-term economic impacts*
Photo credit: George Burgess, FLMNH
Photo Credit: Jim Franks, Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, USM
Image credit: TX Parks and Wildlife
Juv red snapper
Sargassum: habitat for juv amberjack and triggerfish
Oyster life cycle
Satellite image of tagged bluefin tuna
Shrimp life cycle
Estuary dependent life cycles
Brown
Largest Fishery
Spawning Feb through Apr
Catch: June-Oct
White
Spawning May through Nov
Shrimp Life Cycle
Image credit: Dawn Witherington, FWC

7. Plankton
Approximately half of the oxygen on Earth is produced in the ocean. Therefore, it is important that we study how the oil spill will impact phytoplankton, small plant-like organisms that perform photosynthesis and form the base of the marine food web. To investigate the impact of the oil on phytoplankton, scientists at the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory are looking into which phytoplankton species are in the Gulf, how many there are, and how the oil spill has changed this composition. Additionally, they are using a technique called Advanced Laser Fluorometer (ALF), to determine the impact that the oil has on the ability of phytoplankton to perform photosynthesis.
Incorporation of even minimal amounts of hydrocarbons in tissue, across gills, skin, Or direct ingestion, can affect Its predators If not broken down metabolically. It can become increasingly concentrated all the way down the food chain

8. Gulf Dead Zone Concerns
From NOAA
The largest hypoxic zone currently affecting the United States, and the second largest hypoxic zone worldwide, is the northern Gulf of Mexico adjacent to the Mississippi River.
Hypoxia, or low oxygen, develops near the mouth of the Mississippi River every summer as a result of excess nutrients that are introduced principally via the Mississippi River. These excess nutrients trigger algal blooms that are eventually decomposed by oxygen-consuming bacteria. As a result, oxygen in the bottom waters of the Gulf, below about feet, drops to stressful and sometimes lethal levels
“The oil spill could enhance the size of the hypoxic zone through the microbial breakdown of oil, which consumes oxygen, but the oil could also limit the growth of the hypoxia-fueling algae,” said R. Eugene Turner, Ph.D., professor of oceanography at Louisiana State University. “It is clear, however, that the combination of the hypoxic zone and the oil spill is not good for local fisheries.”

9. Which of the following control measure(s ) is/are used to ensure the Gulf’s Commercial Seafood Supply is and remains safe?
Monitoring of harvest waters
Precautionary closures of certain waters and fisheries
Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP)
Sensory and analytical monitoring
Public advisories
All the above
HACCP, or the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point system, is a process control system that identifies where hazards might occur in the food production process and puts into place stringent actions to take to prevent the hazards from occurring. By strictly monitoring and controlling each step of the process, there is less chance for hazards to occur.
All seafood sold in Florida retail stores, supermarkets and restaurants will remain safe to consume prior to and during any potential exposure to contamination from the pending oil spill. Traditional food safety controls have been supplemented with additional emergency response plans by the pertinent federal, state and county authorities. Control measures include monitoring of the harvest waters and products, cautionary closures of certain waters and fisheries, analytical and sensory monitoring of products, and public advisories. Likewise, seafood will be provided from many areas that are not subject to potential exposure to the oil spill.
Photo credit: Katie Semons, NOAA

10. Precautionary Fisheries Closures
Closing waters is the first step to ensuring the public is and remains safe from potentially contaminated seafood.
Today NOAA reopened 5,144 square miles of Gulf waters to commercial and recreational finfish fishing. The reopening was announced after consultation with FDA and under a re-opening protocol agreed to by NOAA, the FDA, and the Gulf states. Since July 3, NOAA data have shown no oil in the area, and United States Coast Guard observers flying over the area in the last 30 days have also not observed any oil. Trajectory models show the area is at a low risk for future exposure to oil and, most importantly, fish caught in the area and tested by NOAA experts have shown no signs of contamination. "Consumer safety is NOAA's primary concern, which is why we developed rigorous safety standards in conjunction with the FDA and the Gulf states to ensure that seafood is safe in the reopened area," said Jane Lubchenco, Ph.D., under secretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and NOAA administrator. "We are confident that Gulf fish from this area is safe to eat and pleased that recreational and commercial fisherman can fish these waters again." At its closest point, the area to be reopened is about 115 miles northeast of the Deepwater/BP wellhead. From June 27 through July 20, NOAA sampled 153 finfish, including grouper, snapper, tuna and mahi mahi, from the area. Sensory and chemical testing of these finfish followed the methodology and procedures in the re-opening protocol, with sensory analysis finding no detectable oil or dispersant odors or flavors, and results of chemical analysis well below the levels of concern.
As of Aug 2 24% of the Federal Gulf waters was closed to Commercial and Recreational Fishing. At one point 38% of the waters were closed to harvesting
From NOAA
The closed area now measures 57,539 sq mi (149,026 sq km) and covers about 24% of the Gulf of Mexico exclusive economic zone. Before the southern area was re-opened, 83,927 miles (217,371 sq km), or roughly 35% of federal waters of the Gulf, were closed to fishing. NOAA will continue to evaluate the need for fisheries closures based on the evolving nature
The area closed to all fishing now measures 31,801 sq mi (82,363 sq km) and covers about 13% of the Gulf of Mexico exclusive economic zone.

11. How is seafood evaluated for contamination?
Sensory testing
Trained professionals
Detection of “taint”
Analytical testing
water, sediments, tissues
Avg person can detect oil contamination at 10 ppm which is equivalent to one drop of oil in a gallon of water
Trained professionals can detect as lows as 5 ppm.
From TX A&M: Chemical analysis is conducted to determine whether seafood tissues are contaminated with petroleum compounds. Detailed analysis typically is conducted using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. Individual PAHs at very low detection levels are measured to provide a PAH pattern that can be compared to that of the source oil. The quantitative results for specific PAHs can be used to assess whether the detected levels pose a risk to human health through seafood consumption. Results from detailed analysis may take up to two weeks to be obtained
Gas chromatography and mass spectrometry
Photo credit: Bill Haber AP Press

12. Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs)
Product of oil degradation and incomplete combustion
Complex and naturally occurring
Not all harmful
Water soluble*
At high levels can pose health risks**
Photo credit: Carolyn Carol, LA Times
Epidemiological studies have shown NO risk of cancer or other diseaeses from exposure to PAHs found in seafood.
A large variety of chemicals can be involved in an oil spill. The most common contaminants associated with seafood are collectively known as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons or PAHs. These are more common because of their water-soluble characteristics, allowing more exposure to aquatic animals. Interestingly, PAHs are found throughout our environment including our food supply, both raw and cooked. There have been no recorded illnesses due to PAH exposure at most levels encountered in our environment or other foods, but elevated levels will require controls to prevent excessive exposure. There are no established limits for PAH exposure to assure food safety, but from prior experience with other oil spills, guidelines have been calculated for consideration. These guidelines account for both the amount and duration of exposure, and they vary by type of seafood. The guidelines are based on highly sensitive analytical detection of contaminants at concentration levels as low as parts per billion (ppb; one part contaminant per one billion parts of edible seafood). Federal and state authorities will use these guidelines to determine the safety level for seafood and the associated advice for harvest and consumption.
Exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons usually occurs by breathing air contaminated by wild fires or coal tar, or by eating foods that have been grilled. PAHs have been found in at least 600 of the 1,430 National Priorities List sites identified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

13. How do PAHs get into seafood?
Uptake through Bioconcentration (filtering) or
Biomagnification
Grilling with contaminated coal/wood burning
Slide credit: Dr. Steve Otwell, Florida Sea Grant

14. Is all seafood equally at risk to contamination?
Mollusks NO
Depends on species
(i.e. shellfish vs finfish/crustaceans)
Exposure level & duration
Life stage
Sex
Environmental factors (salinity/ temp)
Exposure to other chemicals
Crustaceans/ Finfish
Bivalves are considered higher risk to PAHs-found in shallow waters; are sessile filter/deposit feeders: uptake through bioconcentration (filtering), They are good indicators for degree of oil exposure. PAHs accumulate in tissues
Both crustaceans and finfish can eliminate PAHS from systems rapidly with no lasting effects
PAHs tend not to biomagnify in finfish b/c of their low dietary update effeciencies
Finfish have well developed enzyme system which allows them to efficiently eliminate and metabolize PAHs

15. Will all exposed seafood remain contaminated?
NO!
Marine life can gradually eliminate contaminants.
Days to months depending on exposure and metabolism
Once exposure ceases, many marine animals can gradually eliminate the contaminants encountered in an oil spill. The rate of elimination can vary from days to months depending on the amount and type of oil exposure and the metabolism of the particular animals. The levels of contamination will be progressively monitored by authorities before, during and after exposure to assure seafood safety before allowing commercial and recreational harvest.
Photo credit: Bryan Fluech, FSG

16. Dispersants: Helpful or Harmful?
Considered to have low potential to bioaccumulate in seafood products
Not considered to pose safety concerns*
Factors
Exposure duration/ level
Species
Sex
Life stage
Environmental factors
Ongoing monitoring efforts
Photo credits: NOAA
Yet another factor that will influence the movement and impact of oil are dispersants. Dispersants are used to break up large globules of oil into smaller droplets that can then be further broken down by bacteria. However, little is known about what happens to the dispersants themselves in the water. At the surface of the ocean, UV light from the Sun can be absorbed by these dispersants and cause a change the chemical composition. Research is being done by scientists at the University of Colorado to determine the extent to which sunlight driven processes can alter degrade the chemicals used in these dispersants. This change may have significant impacts on the ocean chemistry. NOTE: The chemical formulas at the bottom are NOT those of actual dispersants nor is this a confirmed reaction.
The answer, from an assistant F.D.A. commissioner named Jeanne Ireland, is essentially that testing has shown that the dispersants do not accumulate in seafood to levels that would pose any safety concern. These results confirm that the dispersant used in response to the oil spill in the gulf, Corexit 9500A, when mixed with oil, is generally no more or less toxic than mixtures with the other available alternatives. The results also indicate that dispersant-oil mixtures are generally no more toxic to the aquatic test species than oil alone.
According to a EPA’s results indicate that the eight dispersants tested have similar toxicities to one another when mixed with Louisiana Sweet Crude Oil. These results confirm that the dispersant used in response to the oil spill in the gulf, Corexit 9500A, when mixed with oil, is generally no more or less toxic than mixtures with the other available alternatives. The results also indicate that dispersant-oil mixtures are generally no more toxic to the aquatic test species than oil alone.
Dispersants used today much less toxic than in past (Torrey Cannon spill of England in 60’s)
However, sensitivity to dispersants and dispersed oil varies significantly by species and life stage, with embryonic and larval stages being more sensitive than adults to both dispersants and dispersed oil. Dispersant that does not attach to oil will be diluted to virtually undetectable levels in the open Gulf of Mexico.
When something is said to be toxic, it means that a certain amount, or concentration, of the substance has been shown to negatively impact the health of certain organisms
A substance that is highly toxic to a microscopic organism may require such a high concentration to harm a human that we would not consider it toxic to us at all.  Humans use many “toxic” products regularly, however we don’t use enough of them at any one time or in a way that would cause negative health impacts to us or our environment.  Many of our household cleaning products fall into this category. The biggest concerns about using dispersants with the Deepwater Horizon event are the massive amounts being used and the unknown toxicity of dispersed oil to many species in the Gulf.  Some organisms may be more sensitive to the dispersants or dispersed oil than the toxicity tested species.  Fish eggs, larvae, and young in general have been shown to be more sensitive than adults to toxins.  Also, scientists simply do not know how fast or even where the dispersed oil is spreading.  This means they don’t know what concentration any particular organism is encountering at any particular time.  The obvious concern is that these compounds could be killing large numbers of organisms without us even being aware of it. ?
Long-term Food Web Impacts

17. Wildlife Impacts 3 Direct Pathways
INGESTION – when animals swallow oil particles directly or consume prey items that have been exposed to oil
ABSORPTION – when animals come into direct contact with oil
INHALATION – when animals breathe volatile chemicals released from oil or from dispersants
Oil - inhaled or ingested - can cause brain lesions, pneumonia, kidney damage, stress and death. Scientists working on the BP spill have seen oil-mired animals that are suffering from extreme exhaustion and hyperthermia, with the floating crude reaching temperatures above 130 degrees, Stacy said. Read more:
Photo credit: Carolyn Shaw, LA Times

18. Indirect Effects on Wildlife
Relocation of home ranges to search for new sources of food
Decreased habitat use
Increases in the amount of time animals must spend foraging
Food availability
Disruptions to natural life cycles
Migration, nesting patterns
Image credit: Bryan Fluech, FSG
Photo credit: Carolyn Shaw, LA Times

19. Factors Influencing Degree of Impact
Quantity and Duration of Exposure
The pathway of exposure
The age, reproductive state, and health of each animal
The type of synthetic chemicals used by response teams to clean the spill
Image credit: UF/IFAS

20. Sea Turtles 5 species in Gulf of Mexico
Adults susceptible to oil though inhalation, ingestion
Eggs/hatchlings susceptible through absorption
Nest Relocation Efforts
Sea turtle adults are probably most susceptible to oil spills through inhalation when they surface to breathe, or through ingestion of soiled plant materials. Eggs and hatchlings are susceptible through absorption. Three of the five species of sea turtles occurring in the Gulf of Mexico are endangered (Kemp’s Ridley, Leatherback, and Green), whereas the other two are threatened (Loggerhead, Hawksbill). Nesting season for these species begins in the spring, which means that eggs and hatchlings are likely to experience high risk of exposure to this spill.
Approximately 50,000 eggs relocated ( nests)
Source: Deepwater Horizon Unified Command
Photo credit: Rookery Bay NERR

21. Mammals 21 species inhabit N Gulf of Mexico
Skin irritation
Infection
Inhalation during surface breathing
Ingestion
Baleen Feeding*
Bryde’s Whale
Photo Credits: NOAA NMFS
Mammals are susceptible to harm from oil spills through a variety of means. Though mammals in the Gulf are hairless, and therefore not likely to lose insulation when oil coats their fur, they can experience irritation and increased likelihood of infection when exposed to oil. Also, the whales, manatees, and dolphins found in the Gulf of Mexico must come to the surface to breathe, which increases their risk of inhaling volatile compounds. Baleen whales, such as Byrde’s whales, may face difficulties filtering food through their baleen if they forage in areas with oil.
21 species of mammals listed that occur in the GOM:
There are two resident species of large whales in the Gulf of Mexico that may occur in the area of the spill: Bryde's (pronounced brud-ess) whales and Sperm whales (endangered).
Source: Deepwater Horizon Unified Command

22. Birds Ingestion Increased risk of hypothermia Preening Feeding
Oiled plumage
Birds are primarily affected by oil ingestion, and an increased risk of hypothermia, because oil reduces the ability of bird feathers to provide insulation. Rate of heat loss is much higher in the water than in air, so oiled plumage is particularly problematic. Oil is most commonly ingested while preening their contaminated feathers or while feeding on contaminated prey.
Photo credit: Carolyn Shaw, LA Times
Source: Deepwater Horizon Unified Command

23. Florida Sea Grant Extension Agent, Collier County
Thank You
Bryan Fluech
Florida Sea Grant Extension Agent, Collier County
(239) x204