Ellis Pickett

Last Saturday the first BP tar balls were found on Texas beaches between Sabine Pass and Galveston Island.Scientists expected BP oil to land on Texas beaches at some point, but they did not foresee the characteristic red/brown color oil that has been found on beaches closer to the blowout. After traveling nearly 400 miles, weathered, […]

First, BP denied any oil leak from the well at all. We were told the oil slick came from the Deepwater Horizon fuel tanks. Then the leak was called “minimal.” Over the next two months BP acknowledged 1000 barrels per day, and finally over 25,000 barrels per day, even though BP knew they were low-balling

(Carolyn Cole/LA Times/June 14, 2010) – Blair Witherington, a research scientist with the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, helps the rescue effort.Two very disturbing reports about the BP drilling disaster’s affects on Kemp’s Ridley sea turtles were published recently1. The offshore oil slick and Gulf of Mexico currents mix to create a deadly combination.”Young

Kemp’s Ridley hatchling courtesy of Sea Turtle Inc.Once there were tens of thousands of adult Kemp’s Ridley sea turtles in the Gulf of Mexico. As unbelievable as it sounds, there is a 1947 film that shows an estimated 42,000 nesting on one Mexican beach in a single day!Ridley’s are now the most endangered sea turtle

As thick oil collects on Gulf of Mexico beaches more sea turtles and dolphins wash ashore in higher numbers than usual. The Gulf is home to 5 of the 7 species of sea turtles.Here is a recap since the BP Deepwater Horizon sand on April 30:By May 9, ten days after the blowout 35 Kemps

nydailynews.comBP can drill a well 25,000′ deep and steer the bit to a target the size of a basket ball over a mile away. That is impressive. But for some reason they can’t figure out how much oil is spewing into the Gulf of Mexico.One would think that with BP’s vast knowledge and ability they

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

Whale sharks are the largest fish in the ocean. They can grow to over 12 meters in length. Most people think of them as Pacific or Atlantic ocean residents. But they range throughout the entire Gulf of Mexico. Surprisingly, they are often found close to the Mississippi and Alabama coast. Divers often spot them in

Millions of gallons of crude oil in the wrong place. Atlantic Bluefin Tuna; big, strong, fast, and an apex predator. One female can produce up to 40 million eggs. They spawn in the deep waters of the Gulf of Mexico. They can live 30 years. A single fish can weigh hundreds of pounds and sell

Where in the world is Will (YYN995)?Will is an adult male Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle. He washed ashore near Port Aransas, Texas on April 19, 2009. He was nursed back to health by Tony Amos and the good folks at the Animal Rehabilitation Keep (ARK), on the campus of the University of Texas Marine Science