How is the oil spill affecting the environment?
Animals that live in the wetlands are greatly affected by the oil covering their homes. The spill threatens the viability of oysters, shrimp, shellfish and other seafood, which then affects fishermen and restaurateurs who work in this industry. Currently, 36 percent of the gulf is closed to fishing. Pelicans were just removed from the endangered species list last year, but are now back in trouble. A bird’s feathers lose their ability to insulate when covered with oil, which eventually leads to hypothermia. To save itself, a bird may attempt to clean its feathers, which would cause it to die from ingesting the toxic oil. The National Wildlife Federation said that five of the seven species of sea turtles live in the Gulf Coast, all of which are endangered or threatened. Other animals that don’t necessarily reside in the Gulf, such as American crocodiles, will still suffer because they eat fish, turtles, wading birds, and other animals contaminated by the oil. — National Wild Life Federat
