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While the oil spill in the Gulf in most eyes is seen as old news,

one battle remains hard fought: the increasing efforts to save the

wildlife affected by the detrimental spill.

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In the peak of the Gulf oil spill disaster, wildlife was so

affected that the area where the spill was most harmful was coined

the “Dead Zone.” This area was a 7,000 square foot plot that no

life resided in. The only thing that remained were the remnants of

dead fish, crustaceans and other marine life that suffocated from

the lack of oxygen.

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The effects of the spill are not over either. Animal rescuers

reported after the cap in June that they collected an average of 71

oiled birds a day with only 41 percent that were alive. Hundreds of

sea turtles have been collected, but the effects on the endangered

species will go much further than live turtles dying once hatching

season comes around. 

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The same goes for the brown pelican eggs. While some of the many

animals affected can be rescued and re-released, their habitats are

not so lucky. The area affected included many very delicate salt

marshes and marine habitats that cannot be cleaned without

destroying the habitat altogether.  

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The life not seen is still struggling to recuperate as well. 

Oysters, fish and shrimp are still causing debate over whether

they’re safe to eat and, even if they are, fishermen are having to

deal with extremely depleted crops. 

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Even Florence residents are affected by the lack of fish. Radio and

television ads litter the airways pleading with viewers that the

fish and produce are safe. While the Food and Drug Administration

runs rigorous tests on the seafood to determine its safety, people

still hold doubt.

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“I’m still kind of hesitant about eating the seafood that comes out

of the Gulf. Oil doesn’t just disappear and the chances are the

fish are still taking it in,” said Ryne Agee, a UNA student. 

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An estimated 1,200 birds have been released back into the wild with

more being nursed, but the number of casualties far outweighs the

rescues. It is estimated that a reported 2,100 birds, 470 sea

turtles and 61 mammals were collected dead—and that doesn’t count

the numbers that were not found or not reported.

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“I don’t think the beaches will be the same with all the animals

gone. Tourism will suffer,” said UNA student Danielle

Kirkland. 

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While people may still be going to the beaches, it’s clear that

tourism will be affected. With no wildlife in the ocean, many

snorkeling, spelunking and wildlife tours will suffer from the

depletion.

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Rescue efforts continue to restore the fragile Gulf to what it was.

Birds, mammals and reptiles continue to be released back into the

environment. However, it has yet to be seen whether or not the Gulf

can fully recover despite the rescue efforts.