Gulf Restoration Network

United for a Healthy Gulf

 
Please leave this field empty
Ellis Pickett
Sperm Whales, Oil, & the Gulf of Mexico
Blog - BPs Oil Drilling Disaster in the Gulf of Mexico
Thursday, 27 May 2010 09:40

A native population of about 1400 endangered sperm whales live in the Gulf of Mexico year-round. They range from the Florida panhandle to Texas, swimming along the edge of the continental shelf. According to National Geographic, the BP drilling disaster may seriously endanger the long-term survival of this native group.

Whales, like dolphins use sounds to communicate with each other across great distances. They are also very inquisitive and have been observed near oil platforms. Click here for a youtube video of a sperm whale investigating a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) installing oil equipment on the sea bottom.
They also use echo-location to search for food. Their favorite meal is giant squid that live in the dark depths of Gulf canyons. Click here to see amazing photos of a whale feasting on a squid.

The Gulf sperm whale population is also endangered, with a recovery plan that estimates that any more than three mortalities annually caused by intractions with humans (or their oil drilling activites) will threaten the ability of the population to be rebuilt.

Will whales know to avoid the oil slick on the surface or the subsurface oil plumes from the BP well? How will the dispersants affect the whales and their prey?

Click here to learn more about sperm whales interaction with the offshore oil industry.

Ellis Pickett is GRN's Texas Campaign Organizer
 

BP's Oil Drilling Disaster - Take Action

Recent Posts


MDEQ Permit Board Decision Infuriating to Witness
Fill placed along Alligator Branch for railway track bed. It is hard to watch a state agency
Written by Andrew Whitehurst
Wednesday, 15 May 2013
A Huge Victory for the Nature Coast
The Army Corps has Rejected SunWest Dredge Permit! In a huge blow to this ill-advised development,
Written by Cathy Harrelson
Tuesday, 14 May 2013
Water, Water Everywhere: How Do We Live With It?
What promises to be a compelling, thought-provoking series on how New Orleans and other urban areas
Written by Aaron Viles
Tuesday, 14 May 2013
The River and the Dredge Build Land Together
As you may have seen from our last Gulf Tides video, some of the money from BP fines will pay to
Written by Scott Eustis
Monday, 13 May 2013
Mississippi Stretches NRDA Purpose with Latest Projects
Space Station exhibit at INFINITY Science Center, Hancock County, by Ellis Anderson Media, Courtesy
Written by Andrew Whitehurst
Wednesday, 08 May 2013
How the Natural Resources Damage Assessment Money Could Actually Cause More Damage
GRN's Jonathan Henderson finds tarballs on Elmer's Island April 12 2013Last week, all five Gulf
Written by Michelle Erenberg
Monday, 06 May 2013
"Restoration" Projects Announced: BP Boondoggles Beginning?
After yesterday's announcement by Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal of $340 million in largely worthy
Written by Aaron Viles
Wednesday, 01 May 2013
BLOG COMMENTS POWERED BY DISQUS