Dead Dolphins Wash Up On Coast; Oil's Role Unclear !?!? + Sea Turtles Washing Up Dead Near Oil Spill Site

the first casualties are always up higher on the food chain due to toxic accumulation...unless the toxic is so strong...in this case i suspect everything will die simultaneously.

Oh, God!!!!!

You have no idea how much I hate this.

This really should be pinned to keep track of later developments.

Oh My GOD - it's so awful ....

We all know the oil had nothing to do with this..
I doubt the oil will be blamed for anything except for the need for extra detergent to clean bathing suits.

SAD Video.

Dead dolphins found washed up

Regular Photo Size
Advertisement
Dead dolphin washes ashore at Pensacola

Updated: Monday, 29 Mar 2010, 6:10 PM CDT
Published : Monday, 29 Mar 2010, 5:54 PM CDT

* Christina Leavenworth
* Photojournalist: Eric Lowe

GULF BREEZE, Fla. (WALA) - The dolphin seems to be the mascot of the Gulf Coast. The animals are always seen from across the coast. However, a dolphin washed ashore Monday morning at Pensacola Bay. Now an animal refuge shelter is trying to figure out what caused it to die.

Residents at Bay Bridge Condos in Gulf Breeze sees dolphins swimming daily. However, they saw a dolphin far closer than they hoped to on Monday morning.

"It's very sad looking at it. Being our mascot for Gulf Breeze High School, it's kind of sad having one washing up here at the condos," said Laurie Ford.

The Emerald Coast Animal Refuge was called out to take care of its remains, and possibly find out how it died.

"When we come out for dead marine animals, we do a necropsy, which is an autopsy on animals. We take samples for histology, red tide blooms, and genetics," said Amanda Wilkerson, a volunteer with the Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge.

One of the main reasons they tested the dolphin was to see if something in the water possibly caused its death. If so, that could pose a risk to humans as well.

"They get respiratory diseases just like we do, so it's going to tell us if there is something in our water that can harm humans as well. It will help us continue to learn more about marine mammals, life expectancy, what they're eating, how they're interacting with humans and fisheries," added Wilkerson.

This is the eighth dolphin in 2010 officials know has died along the Gulf Coast. They're finding about one a week on the shore, and looking into why the numbers are up.

"We’re going to do more stomach sampling, take more urine and feces samples, so that we can send it off to check for red tide blooms," Wilkerson said.

Officials hope to bury the dolphin at her final resting place, but if they can't find a dry beach, they'll return her to the bay.

It usually takes several weeks for the necropsy results to come back.

[link to www.fox10tv.com]

At least 25 sea turtles have washed up dead on Mississippi beaches over the past few days, according to multiple media reports. So far, there is no evidence that the oil spill killed the turtles, but tests are ongoing.

(Credit: NOAA)

1122

If it turns out that the sea turtles were affected by the spill, the oil could have harmed the reptiles in several different ways that may not be so easy to detect. A Duke University-led study, for example, found that contaminants may lead to changes in a sea turtle's immune system. Contaminants may also cause possible liver damage and lead to alterations in protein and carbohydrate regulation.

Other reptile experts report that hydrocarbons released by oil can trigger pneumonia, if these chemicals enter the lungs. Red blood cells could also be damaged.

But any number of other threats to sea turtles could have led to the deaths. I'm very interested to learn what the actual cause is and if more sea turtles have died. We're only seeing the bodies that wash up onshore.

Here is the latest AP video report. Please note that other dead sea turtles have since been documented.

[link to news.discovery.com]

Yeah with the three stooges running the show what do you expect? This bs has been going on for over three weeks! They still dont have a clue or dont give a fuck!
I am afraid of what we will see in the next weeks and months. The whole gulf could be lost.

OK, now step back just a little bit and try to be somewhat objective:

~The one article stated that this is calving season and it's not unheard of for some to wash up on shore.

~Dolphins die of natural causes. Logic tells us that if you live in a pretty condo on the beach, dead things might wash up. If a dolphin is nearer to shore when it dies, there is a strong possibility it's going to wash up vs. being fish food out in the open waters.

~Dolphins, if I recall, are pretty smart critters. We humans wouldn't continue to live, romp and play in the middle of a forest fire. . .I have a feeling dolphins, too, know where the danger is in their own habitat. They can swim pretty fast.

~Sea turtles: Are we talking mature turtles or babies? Article didn't say. EVERYONE KNOWS that only a few babies reach adulthood out of every clutch - is this "normal" for this time a year?

I am NOT AL ALL trying to downplay the deaths of these beautiful creatures. . .just trying to put it into a little perspective. I'm sure we will see tremendous effects of this leak...I'm just not convinced what we're seeing "right now" is the actual cause.

Yea, maybe it's just "nature", not oil...

Oil-covered birds found on Louisiana shore

The oil slick from the ruptured rig in the Gulf of Mexico has reached shore in Louisiana.

US officials have confirmed that a sheen of oil has washed up on the Chandeleur Islands, an important breeding and nesting area, where birds such as gannets and brown pelicans have been found covered in oil.

“It’s all over the place. We hope to get it cleaned up before it moves up the west side of the river,� said Dustin Chauvin, a 20-year-old shrimp boat captain from Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana. “That’s our whole fishing ground. That’s our livelihood.�......

[link to www.timesonline.co.uk]

Pure DOOM and doesn't get pinned?
I don't think there is something more frightening than the sea creatures dying.
Total disaster
Nice catch Op.Thank you

Thank you. "Senseless Devastation". This is JUST the beginning. BP has been VERY LUCKY to date with the help from the wind direction and currents barely keeping that stuff offshore and into mainly uninhabited wetlands/marshes of Louisiana. They're luck WILL run out soon and when it started hurting the BEACHES and GOD FORBID, TOURISM!!>>.. look out, then people will WAKE UP!

that is awesome doom OP.....thanks!

any vids OP......i hear you guys killed the last dolphin in the ganges river just last week

If this kills Dolphins, it will kill people!!!

Crude Oil Health Hazards Fact Sheet

Dr. Michael Harbut, Karmanos Cancer Institute

Dr. Kathleen Burns, Sciencecorps

Many people will be exposed to crude oil as a result of the BP Gulf of Mexico spill. It is important to understand the potential toxic effects and take appropriate steps to prevent or reduce exposure and harm. This fact sheet provides a health hazard summary, and links to more detailed information.

Crude oil contains hundreds of chemicals, comprised primarily of hydrogen and carbon (e.g., simple straight chain paraffins, aromatic ring structures, naphthenes), with some sulfur, nitrogen, metal, and oxygen compounds (see Table D-1 in CDC, 1999 linked below). Crude oil composition varies slightly by its source, but its toxic properties are fairly consistent. Chemicals such as benzene and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are very toxic components of crude oil and of high concern.

Exposure

Exposure can occur through skin contact, inhalation of contaminated air or soil, and ingestion of contaminated water or food. These can occur simultaneously. Exposure pathways may result in localized toxicity (e.g., irritation of the skin following contact), but most health effects are systemic because ingredients can move throughout the body. Exposure varies based on the duration and concentrations in contaminated media. Differences may result from location, work and personal activities, age, diet, use of protective equipment, and other factors. Concurrent exposure to other toxic chemicals must be considered when evaluating toxic effects. Some chemicals in crude oil are volatile, moving into air easily, and these can often be detectable by smell.

Basic Physiological Effects

Crude oil is a complex mixture of chemicals that have varying abilities to be absorbed into the body through the skin, lungs, and during digestion of food and water. Most components of crude oil enter the bloodstream rapidly when they are inhaled or swallowed. Crude oil contains chemicals that readily penetrate cell walls, damage cell structures, including DNA, and alter the function of the cells and the organs where they are located. Crude oil is toxic, and ingredients can damage every system in the body:

respiratory

Nervous system, including the brain

liver
reproductive/urogenital system

kidneys
endocrine system

circulatory system

gastrointestinal system

immune system

sensory systems

musculoskeletal system


Damaging or altering these systems causes a wide range of diseases and conditions. In addition, interference with normal growth and development through endocrine disruption and direct damage to fetal tissue is caused by many crude oil ingredients (CDC, 1999). DNA damage can cause cancer and multi-generational birth defects.

Acute Exposure Hazards - brief exposure at relatively high levels[1]

Crude oil contains many chemicals that can irritate the skin and mucous membranes on contact. Irritant effects can range from slight reddening to burning, swelling (edema), pain,and permanent skin damage. Commonly reported effects of acute exposure to crude oil through inhalation or ingestion include difficulty breathing, headaches, dizziness, nausea, confusion, and other central nervous system effects. These are more likely to be noticed than potentially more serious effects that don't have obvious signs and symptoms: lung, liver and kidney damage, infertility, immune system suppression, disruption of hormone levels, blood disorders, mutations, and cancer.



Chronic Exposure Hazards - long-term exposure at relatively low levels


This type of exposure should be avoided, if at all possible, because the potential for serious health damage is substantial. Chronic health effects are typically evaluated for specific crude oil components (see CDC, 1999), and vary from cancer to permanent neurological damage. They cover a range of diseases affecting all the organ systems listed above.



Susceptible Subgroups



Children are vulnerable to toxic chemicals in crude oil that disrupt normal growth and development. Their brains are highly susceptible to many neurotoxic ingredients. Endocrine disruptors in crude oil can cause abnormal growth, infertility, and other health conditions. Children's exposures may be higher than adults and can include contaminated soil or sand. Newborns are especially vulnerable due to incompletely formed immune and detoxification systems.



Many people with medical conditions are more susceptible to crude oil toxicity because chemical ingredients can damage organ systems that are already impaired. Specific susceptibilities depend on the medical condition (e.g., inhalation poses risks for those with asthma and other respiratory conditions).


People taking medications that reduce their detoxification ability, and those taking acetaminophen, aspirin, haloperidol, who have nutritional deficiencies or who concurrently drink alcohol may be more susceptible. Some inherited enzyme deficiencies also increase susceptibility (listed in CDC, 1999).


People exposed to other toxic chemicals at work or home may be at higher risk.



Pregnancy places increased stress on many organ systems, including the liver, kidneys, and cardiovascular system. Chemicals in crude oil that are toxic to these same systems can pose serious health risks. Pregnancy also requires a careful balance of hormones to maintain a health pregnancy and healthy baby. Endocrine disruptors in crude oil can jeopardize the hormone balance.


The developing fetus is susceptible to the toxic effects of many chemicals in crude oil. Many cause mutations, endocrine disruption, skeletal deformities, and other types of birth defects.


Personal and Public Protection

It is critical that people who work with or around crude oil wear appropriate personal protective equipment such as gloves, masks, respirators, and water repellant clothing, to minimize exposure. The necessary equipment will depend on the kind of exposure that can occur (dermal, inhalation, ingestion). See OSHA guidance at OSHA 2010 link below. Susceptible members of the public require notice when exposure may occur (e.g., when contaminated air masses move inland) so they can take protective actions.





Sources



CDC, 1999: [link to www.atsdr.cdc.gov]



OSHA, 2010: [link to www.osha.gov]



NLM: [link to sis.nlm.nih.gov] - very limited information on human health



The National Toxicology Program (NIEHS-NIH) provides information on carcinogenic crude oil ingredients (e.g., benzene) & limited information on reproductive hazards [link to ntp.niehs.nih.gov]



California's EPA provides a list of chemicals know to cause cancer and/or reproductive harm: [link to www.oehha.org]


==========================================================

[link to www.uspoly.com]

Polychem Dispersit

COMPARATIVE MARINE TOXICITY
Toxicity is determined by the effect of the dispersant mixed with No. 2 fuel, oil 10:1 on Menidia Beryllina and Mysidopsis Bahia after 96 and 48 hours respectively. The oil itself is toxic at about 11 PPM. Corexit 9500 with oil is toxic at 2.61 PPM upon Menidia and 3.4 PPM upon Mysidopsis. Dispersit with oil is toxic at 7.9 PPM upon Menidia and 8.2 PPM upon Mysidopsis. Thus, the toxicity of the waterbased alternative is one half to one third the toxicity than that of the petroleum based product. Toxicity testing was performed on Dispersit by Coastal Bioanalysts Gloucester, VA.

COMPARATIVE HUMAN HEALTH EFFECTS
A review of the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) of Dispersit and any oil based dispersant illustrates the dramatic difference between the water and oil based effects on human health. Dispersit is essentially water and surfactant (soap). The application of Dispersit via spray should be conducted using goggles, gloves and respirator to avoid discomfort. The potential health effect is “slight to none” with protective equipment. As stated in MSDS, Corexit 9500 can cause central nervous system depression, nausea, and unconsciousness. It can cause liver, kidney damage, and red blood cell hemolysis with repeated or prolonged exposure through inhalation or ingestion according to the MSDS. The threat to human health via exposure is characterized a “MODERATE”. In sum, waterbased Dispersit is a material improvement in human health effects when responding to an oil spill.

Oil spill covers more birds and video shows tar balls washing up on Alabama beaches
May 10, 6:04 AMGulf Oil Spill ExaminerTony Pann

Video and pics..

[link to www.examiner.com]

do paying members now get to change their flag ?

pisses me off to no end....evil humans suck!

wheres Pamela Anderson on THIS one..

I can't hear about dead turtles :(

Yes, too sad.

A movie about a evil oil tycoon and a false prophet

Please don't downplay the importance of wetlands and marshs. They serve a purpose in the eco-system more than land developers want you to know. They are not useless tracks of waterways.

Oh ya, all those dead turtles, jelly fish, and dolphins wash up dead on a regular basis. Has nothing to do with the oil spill. Just a coincidence. We are just seeing the very tip of the iceberg with this issue. Wail till the animals start piling up by the millions and see what BS argument they use then.

yah, what connection could there possibly be between dead sea life and a massive ocean disaster? preposterous!! lalalala, life in the usa..