Disaster unfolds slowly in the Gulf of Mexico

The Big Picture has posted a second series of 40 photos from the gulf oil spill disaster.

Since the Deepwater well blow out, the feds have given 27 waivers to oil companies in gulf

 

Say what?

Since the Deepwater Horizon oil drilling rig exploded on April 20, the Obama administration has granted oil and gas companies at least 27 exemptions from doing in-depth environmental studies of oil exploration and production in the Gulf of Mexico.

 (Via: McClatchey) LINK

NOAA has also expanded the fishing ban in the Gulf by about 50% and extended the ban through at least May 17.

USCG Deepwater Horizon Flickr Set / Oil Spill Volunteers

The United States Coast Guard's 8th District has posted a Deepwater Horizon Flickr set with images and NOAA maps with the latest spill trajectories.

As the clean up continues to mobilize if you're interested in volunteering to assist with the clean up operation Oil Spill Volunteers can link you with the appropriate organizations.

Organizations working on the cleanup can also register to be connected with volunteers.

NOAA Closes Commercial and Recreational Fishing in Oil-Affected Portion of Gulf of Mexico

NOAA is restricting fishing for a minimum of ten days in federal waters most affected by the BP oil spill, largely between Louisiana state waters at the mouth of the Mississippi River to waters off Florida’s Pensacola Bay 

The closure is effective immediately.  Details can be found here:  http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/.