Excerpt from article. Kinda puts the horror of the BP Horizon into perspective. DV

Evaluating impacts of human activities on marine ecosystems is difficult when effects occur out of plain sight. The Deepwater Horizon/BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico was the largest in the U.S. history, but some reports implied modest environmental impacts, in part because of a relatively low number (101) of observed marine mammal mortalities. The authors estimate historical carcass-detection rates for 14 cetacean species in the northern Gulf of Mexico that have estimates of abundance, survival rates, and stranding records and their preliminary analysis suggests that carcasses are recovered, on an average, from only 2% (range: 0-6.2%) of cetacean deaths. Thus, the true death toll could be 50 times the number of carcasses recovered, given no additional information. While there are caveats to this estimate, it does provide a counterpoint to illustrate the magnitude of misrepresentation possible in presenting only observed carcass counts.

Williams R, Shane Gero, Lars Bejder, et al (2011) Conservation Letters

Special thanks to Richard Charter

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I hope we have a gigantic turnout this year! DV

WHEN: June 25, 11:30 am
WHERE: Everywhere

Sign up to join or organize an event today»

Last year, as gallons upon gallons of noxious oil spilled into the Gulf of Mexico, thousands of people around the world joined hands and drew a figurative and literal line in the sand to say NO to dirty fossil fuels.

This year, with many in Congress trying to expand offshore drilling, we are joining together again to reaffirm our opposition to offshore drilling and support clean energy.

Will you join hands with me on June 25 and with thousands of other ocean lovers all over the world?

The concept is simple, the message is profound. On June 25, groups will gather on beaches, in parks, and on sidewalks all over the world, to join hands in a demonstration against offshore drilling and to show support for clean energy.

WHAT: Hands Across the Sand
WHEN: June 25, 11:30 am
WHERE: Your hometown, the Capital, Australia, Chile – all over the world

Right now, events everywhere are being organized. Sign up to attend or set up your own event today»

Thank you for joining hands with me and thousands of other committed ocean lovers, too.

For the oceans,
Matt Dundas
Oceana