200,000 gallons of oil a day into the Gulf of Mexico
by Sarah Parsons | May 11, 2010
Since the Deepwater Horizon explosion on April 20th, the rig's been spewing more than 200,000 gallons of oil a day into the Gulf of Mexico.
And while that figure alone is enough to demonstrate just how dire the situation is, allow us to drop some knowledge on what this may mean for fisheries and shellfish populations. According to Mother Jones, about 75 percent of wild shrimp consumed in the US (which is significantly more sustainable than farmed shrimp) comes from the Gulf, and the area holds the world's largest, intact network of oyster reefs. Add to that a significant population of fish, crabs and other tasty marine critters, and it's clear that toxic oil in the Gulf could spell disaster for both ecosystems and seafood lovers. BP's underwater robots and large, containment domes failed to stop the oil's flow, so now the company is turning to another solution: the ingenuity of everyday citizens. That's right, the oil giant wants YOU to help clean up its mess. BP is soliciting submissions for ideas on how to stop oil from spilling out of the Deepwater Horizon rig. Anyone with a novel suggestion can visit DeepwaterHorizonResponse.com and fill out an Alternative Response Technology Inquiry form. The form asks users to briefly describe their suggested technology; the materials, equipment, and expertise it requires; and submit the idea to BP. The strategy may sound like a PR move, but supposedly the site sends all forms directly to a team of engineers who sort through responses and flag feasible suggestions. According to an Agence France-Presse (AFP) story, the company flew in experts from around the world to help collaborate and contemplate ideas. For MacGyver-types who think they know the way to stop the spill, fill out the Alternative Response Technology Inquiry form here, or call the hotline at 1-281-366-5511. For the sake of saving our seafood and marine ecosystems, we hope someone out there has a bright idea. Or at least something more effective than a big, concrete box... | 
