Journal
ENDANGERED SPECIES RESEARCH
Volume 33, Issue -, Pages 119-125Publisher
INTER-RESEARCH
DOI: 10.3354/esr00770
Keywords
Cetacean; Oil exposure; Deepwater Horizon; Oil spill; Petroleum
Categories
Funding
- Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Studies (CIMAS), a Cooperative Institute of the University of Miami
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, cooperative [NA15OAR4320064]
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The Deepwater Horizon (DWH) oil spill was by far the largest offshore oil spill in the history of the USA. For 87 d, the well spilled millions of barrels of oil into the Gulf of Mexico, extensively affecting the habitat of numerous species of cetaceans. Previous studies have suggested that cetaceans would be able to detect and avoid oiled waters and, when in contact, oil would not adhere to their slick skin. However, photographic evidence and field observations gathered following the DWH oil spill documented at least 11 cetacean species swimming through oil and sheen, with oil adhered to their skin. This study not only documented direct exposure of cetaceans to petroleum products but also the persistence of the oil on their skin. In addition, given the extent of the DWH oil spill, the number of affected species and individuals was likely far greater than the documented occurrences captured during this study. Based on this evidence, we suggest that during oil spills in cetacean habitat, direct exposure of whales and dolphins to petroleum products will likely occur and should therefore be taken into account during response activities and damage assessments.
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