NC scientists preparing for the possibility of Gulf oil spill fallout

Although state officials say there is only a small chance North Carolina waters will be affected by the Gulf oil spill, fisheries scientists are still preparing for that possibility by collecting samples of untainted fish and shellfish to use for baseline comparisons in case the state’s seafood harvest becomes compromised.

“We still believe there is a very low probability that our state will see any significant effects from the oil spill, but just in case, we’re collecting these samples and securing them for analysis at a later date,” said Secretary Dee Freeman of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

According to the Division of Marine Fisheries, biologists are collecting fish, shrimp and crabs from different coastal rivers, sounds and ocean waters of North Carolina and following specific scientific collection protocols for handling and storing the samples in case they are needed. At the same time, environmental specialists with the Shellfish Sanitation and Recreational Quality Section of the Division of Environmental Health are collecting oysters and clams.

Should state authorities begin to see impacts in North Carolina waters from the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, the fish and shellfish samples collected now can be tested and used as a baseline to compare to samples collected in North Carolina following observed impact from the oil spill to help determine the extent of contamination.

This information, should it show contamination levels high enough to cause a health risk, could help state fisheries officials determine if they should close certain waters to seafood harvesting and fishing. The information would also offer proof of environmental impact, leading to economic impact, should the state seek financial compensation for damages from the oil industry.

According to CNN, BP has said that the cap currently on the sunken well in the Gulf of Mexico is still keeping the oil inside and no oil is leaking into the water as pressure slowly rises. Critical tests on the capped well continue as scientists work on the ultimate solution to end the oil disaster.

North Carolina fisheries officials say that they have no way of knowing for sure if the state will be affected by the oil already released in the Gulf or would be in danger if the current cap doesn’t work. They describe the current efforts to gather healthy seafood samples as a precaution.

For more fisheries information see my blog A Dash of Salty