Coral was harmed by Deepwater Horizon oil spill

Published on 27/03/2012 00:51

DEEP sea corals have been seriously harmed by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in April 2010, scientists have said.

A survey of one site near the well in the Gulf of Mexico uncovered “compelling evidence” of pollution damage.

Coral communities more than 4,000ft below the surface of the ocean appeared stressed and discoloured. Tests showed that oil from the site bore Deepwater Horizon’s chemical “fingerprint”.

Scientists looked at 11 deep water coral sites three to four months after the spill. Their findings are published in journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.