framingham.com (*** TEST SITE ***)

LAST UPDATED:  January 3, 2013

While an oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico might not have gotten much concern from some New England residents, in the coming months the effects of the explosion and subsequent oil spill at the site of the Deepwater Horizon oil drilling platform may have lasting effects across the country — and beyond.

An estimated 70% of all North American waterfowl species use the area and many North and South American songbird species rest or feed in the area on their annual migration routes across the Gulf.

Shrimp, crab and fish catches from the Louisiana fishing fleet have already been affected.

Early on the event was shaping up to be a major ecological disaster — it could end up causing severe long term ecological damage to the fisheries, nesting grounds and the eco-sensitive Gulf coast.  Hotel and tour operators in surrounding areas are already experiencing cancellations from tourist who do not want  to (more…)