[masadaman]

Let's assess the damages before we go off half-cocked. This spill is measureable only with a micrometer as to its depth on the sea surface. Sunlight will dissipate much of it. So far, thank God, the major damages are not to wildlife, but to Florida panhandle tourism, down 25-30%.

Most importantly, please keep in mind that: 1. This is the first such disaster in about 40 years (Santa Barbara channel- unsure of the exact date); 2. The ocean floor seeps oil of greater quantities not under dramatic pressure, all the time. 3. Offshore drilling at such depths is dangerous in part because the nation saw fit to stop all offshore drilling on the inner coast line (continental shelf) which is likely much easier and safer.

[MSF BU]

Correct, thus far, as in the case of the 79? Mexican accident, the oil is tough to find on the surface. Apparently the benzene is just evaporating away.

[Menehune56]

This is the first such disaster in about 40 years (Santa Barbara channel- unsure of the exact date)

It was January 1969. I was a student/surfer at the University of California back then and remember it well. The Santa Barbara Channel has always had natural oil seepage.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1969_Santa_Barbara_oil_spill

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

Well said...

[elpadre]

just heard from one down in Panhandle FL on beach who says all OK - just like always - going fishing tomorrow