Deep sea oil plumes, chemical dispersants pose risks for the Gulf's coral reefs, food chain
Scientists say the massive oil spill has already spewed plumes over ecologically sensitive reefs that are part of a stalled marine sanctuary proposal that would restrict oil drilling in a large swath of the northern Gulf of Mexico.
Marine scientists fear two powerful Gulf currents will carry the oil to other reefs.
The eastward flowing loop current could spread it about 450 miles to the Florida Keys, while the Louisiana coastal current could move the oil as far west as central Texas.
Marine scientists say dispersing and sinking the oil as is being done helps protect the surface species and the Gulf Coast shoreline. But it increases the chance of harming deep-sea reefs, which are seen as bellwethers for sea health.
Copyright 2010 AP News
