The oil was found both in globules scattered on the beach and within the wet marshy areas as discoloration and a sheen on the marsh water. Oil had collected on reeds, which prevent erosion of the coastline, highlighting more evidence of this disaster.
“While most of the environmental damage so far from this spill has been out of sight, the oil we saw today on the southern delta of the Mississippi River is a sad indicator of what is in store for the shoreline ecosystem,” said conservation specialist Rick Steiner, who is internationally recognized for his work during Exxon Valdez oil spill.
“As BP scrambles to stop millions of gallons of oil flowing into the Gulf, oil is washing up in the irreplaceable wetlands at the southern tip of Louisiana. Immeasurable damage has been done. This is an urgent reminder that President Obama and Congress must immediately stop plans for any new offshore drilling including pending plans in the arctic,” said Deputy Campaigns Director Dan Howells.
Other contacts: Molly Dorozenski, Media Officer, Greenpeace, + 1 917-864-3724 direct; [email protected] Joe Smyth, Media Officer, Greenpeace, +1 831-566-5647; [email protected]
Notes: Photos available at http://www.flickr.com/photos/greenpeaceusa09/