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| A Bottle-nosed Dolphin Captured in Barataria Bay for Testing August 15th |
Scientific research is being conducted on dolphins in Louisiana, to determine what, if any, effects from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill still sicken or kill marine life in the area of the spill. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is conducting the tests after obtaining a required permit to examine the mammals. The researchers collected samples of blood, urine, feces, and blubber, as well as checking teeth and mapping organs. When released, dolphins receive marks on their dorsal fins, identifying their scientific names. The project tracks the dolphins by using radio and satellite transmitters attached to their top fin.
Research on other aquatic life is also required under the same Oil Spill Act of 1990 that applies to the dolphin research. Results of the testing should establish whether or not a direct link exists between the deaths and ailments of the various creatures studied and the BP spill in April 2010. The findings from the dolphin research will be compared to those of a similar dolphin study in Sarasota, Florida.
The furor over the spill has calmed now that tourists have returned to Louisiana, Mississippi, and Florida, but many claims filed by businesses adversely affected by the spill have not yet been paid. BP ran a proliferation of ads using Louisiana and Mississippi fisherman saying they were satisfied with their compensation from the oil company, Ham on Wry views them with skepticism, however. Too many articles and TV news stories still deal with dissatisfied people whose businesses have failed or never returned to previous levels.
Dolphins and other sea creatures don't have a compensation fund, so it's up to the public to maintain a vigil to ensure they receive medical treatment and protection from the oil's ill effects.
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