The Deepwater Horizon oil spill began on April 20, 2010 and lasted until September 19, 2010, although some groups believe it continues to leak oil. An estimated 4.9 million barrels leaked into the ocean. (Credit: Kris Krüg, flickr.com).
A new study shows that fish embryos developed heart defects when exposed to crude oil levels similar to that found in oil spills like the Deepwater Horizon disaster. The study looked at bluefin and yellowfin tuna as well as amberjack, species that are highly valued in commercial fisheries. Stock of Bluefin tuna that spawns in the Gulf of Mexico is the same stock that supports the tuna fishery on Canada’s east coast.
Original research paper published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America on March 6, 2014.
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