[Coral-List] Subsurface oil and dispersants

[Steve Kolian]

EcoRigs Report August 25, 2010

On Tuesday August 21th, 2010 oily surface scummy foam and dissolved subsurface oil and dispersant were observed just below the water surface over a 30 square mile area offshore of southwest and south pass Louisiana all day. The oil and dispersants were noticeable due to its white color and stringy mucus appearance. The strings below dissolved and dissipated when agitated..  The white signatures appeared to rising from below. To view video, please go to: http://www.ecorigs.org/Subsurface_oil_Aug%2021%202010.wmv
Over the last four months we have observed the subsurface plume in a several forms ranging from dissolved, particulate, mucus, noodles and globs.. The plume has been persistent and wide spread. The plume could be adversely affecting the fertilization and survival of dispersed fish and invertebrate larvae. Broadcast spawning fish discharge their reproductive materials in the current where they mix and fertilize and larvae float in the water column for weeks sometimes months. My impression is that the plume has already impacted the larvae of broadcast spawning fish that reproduce in May, June, July, and August and will continue to through September, October and maybe longer. Secondly, the broadcast spawning fish mate by swimming around each other in tight circles, in pairs or larges schools. The plume may stress the fish and prevent them from mating and spawning in the first place. The list of broadcast spawning fish reproducing in the late spring through early fall in the north central Gulf of Mexico is extensive.   

Best Regards, Steve Kolian 225-910-0304 cell