Gulf of Mexico Expedition 2010
Gulf of Mexico Expedition 2010
Learn about Ocean’s two-month research expedition that assessed the long-term impacts of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill on the Gulf of Mexico and its inhabitants.
SHARE THIS EXPEDITION TO SHOW YOUR SUPPORT:
Overview
Oceana launched a two-month research expedition from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to assess the long-term impacts of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill on the Gulf of Mexico and its inhabitants as well as document areas that were impacted by the spill, especially those that become caught in certain sea currents.
Oceana’s 2010 Gulf of Mexico Expedition, led by oceanographer Xavier Pastor, then executive director of Oceana Europe, took place aboard the Oceana Latitude, a 51-metre vessel capable of sailing in both shallow and deep waters, and adapted to serve as a diving platform. Oceana also worked with several universities and entities on the expedition as well as released numerous papers that describe the impacts of oil on marine species.
During the expedition, Oceana scientists from both sides of the Atlantic, directed by Dr. Michael Hirshfield, senior vice president for North America and chief scientist at Oceana, worked with specialized divers, underwater photographers, videographers and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) to analyze the magnitude of the oil spill and its effect on sensitive habitats and marine species like coral. Throughout the expedition samples of water, sediments, larvae, plankton and fish were taken and several shark and sea turtle species were tagged to monitor their migration patterns and study their ability to avoid oil contaminated areas.
Diaries
The Crew
Videos