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This is an article I wrote earlier this year, but I believe much of the information is still relevant, and as far as we know...it is still a looming likelyhood that the effects on nature of this man made action will wipe out several of these species...Thank you for giving it one more read over. Blessed Be.

These are the true victims of the Gulf Catastrophe

April 20th of 2010

DOLPHINS

First of 11 Species facing extinction due to the Gulf Catastrophe.

" While there have been reports of dolphins being able to identify oil and mindfully avoid it, they are still apt to inhale oil and oil vapor when they surface to breathe, which leads to damaged airways. This time of year is birthing season for about 5,000 dolphins that frequent the Gulf Coast area. Consumption of oily prey can also transfer contaminants to younger dolphins via the mothers’ milk. " - the Daily Beast online.

ALLIGATORS

Second of 11 Species facing extinction due to the Gulf Catastrophe.

" The alligator, already in danger of extinction, will likely see steep declines in fish and seabird populations it feeds on."

CRABS

Third of 11 species that face extinction due to the Gulf Catastrophe.

"Coastal habitats around the Mississippi River delta are vital for crab survival and reproduction, but are quickly becoming overrun by the oil, potentially devastating populations for years to come. " - the Daily Beast online.

TERNS

Fourth of 11 species facing extinction from the Gulf Catastrophe.

" Least terns, whose population has dropped to 2,000 from 12,000 in recent years, might find their entire population wiped out. In less than 40 days, tern chicks will be hatching and leaving the nest to explore what might be an oil-filled landscape. "

FISHES OF VARIOUS TYPES

Fifth of 11 species that face extinction due to the Gulf Catastrophe.

" While the floating oil is already the suspected cause of death for numerous fish washing ashore along the Gulf Coast, dispersants used by BP to break up the oil also have been reported to contaminate the water with toxins able to kill fish over vast distances. " - the Daily Beast

NORTHERN GANNET BIRD

Sixth of 11 species facing extinction due to the Gulf Catastrophe.

" The first avian casualty of the oil spill to be captured and treated was a northern gannet: a native, fish-eating, diving bird that could be affected not only by diving through the oil slick, but also by contaminated fish." - the Daily Beast online. Image: .

ABC officials note that "all coastal nesting species (herons, terns, skimmers, plovers, gulls, rails, ducks) are currently present on the Gulf Coast, including several species on the U.S. WatchList of birds of conservation concern. The impact to these species depends on how long the leak lasts and what happens with weather and currents. The leak could persist for weeks or months, and end up being the worst environmental disaster in U.S. history."

Gulf Islands National Seashore provides key habitat for "thousands of wintering shorebirds, including endangered Piping Plover, Wilson’s Plover, and American Oystercatcher, as well as Brown Pelican, Black-crowned Night-Heron, White Ibis, and Black Skimmer," according to the organization.

MAN-O-WAR

Seventh of 11 species facing extinction due to the Gulf Catastrophe.

" An unusual number of jellyfish have washed ashore since the oil-rig explosion, and researchers are investigating whether the incidents are linked." - the Daily Beast online. Image: Alex Brandon / AP Photo

The unfortunate thing is that jellyfish populations worldwide have been notably decreased as far back as the Exxon Valdez accident. Also possibly due to other pollution factors. But Man-o-war being the most robust and strong of their species. Seemingly unable to weather thru this horrible disaster, are washing up in alarmingly larger numbers. Another sure sign that the ecosystem has taken more than regenerable damage from the oil spill.

WHITE IBIS

Eighth of 11 Species facing extinction from the Gulf Catastrophe.

" The white ibis nesting area in the Delta National Wildlife Refuge is being threatened by the approaching oil slick. As a wading bird, the ibis also frequents shallow waters in search of food that may become contaminated."- the Daily Beast. Image: It is one of the birds hardest hit by the oil spill, and the second avian species facing probable extinction within the decade.

OYSTERS

Ninth of 11 species that are facing extinction due to the Gulf Catastrophe.

" Oyster beds in the Breton Sound along the eastern bank of the Mississippi River could be affected by the expanding spill, damaging an entire generation of the shellfish. Even if the spill is contained, however, oil residue may still be sucked through the oysters. " - the Daily Beast.

SHRIMP

Tenth of 11 speciies facing extinction from the Gulf Catastrophe..

" Shrimp coming in to the Gulf region won’t find their usual prime spawning grounds—instead, the plankton they eat could be smothered by the oil." - the Daily Beast.

TURTLES

The Eleventh species facing extinction from the Gulf Catastrophe.

" At least 30 sea turtles were found dead over the weekend, including some from the world’s most endangered species of turtles, the Kemp’s Ridley turtle, which is entering its primary nesting season along the Gulf." - the Daily Beast online. Image:

It is ironic that the Earth Day holiday and

Hitler's birthday will soon be overshadowed in history

forever by what will become known as the Gulf Catastrophe of 2010.

The Gulf oil spill has become a daily source of news banter and political mud slinging from all sides of the political landscape. Here in Phoenix, Arizona we are safely removed from the horrors of the immediate crisis. Criticism of President Obama , the corporations involved, the loss of ecomonic and safety issues of the residents in Louisiana, and the efforts of many tireless crews of cleanup relief are the headlines daily since April 20. But this is not an issue outside of our state...especially for those who call ourselves Pagans, Chrisitians, or even Americans. The Children of Nature, the Children of the Sea are our responsibility. If we do not take action to insure their survival. Then Who Will ?

The oil’s effects go far beyond the dead or dying animals seen washing ashore, and for the ecosystems and their inhabitants, the potential damage is particularly magnified by the spill’s timing.

The marshes around the Mississippi River are temporary homes for nearly 5 million migratory birds traveling through the Western Hemisphere, and tens of thousands are nesting eggs now along the shore. Once a bird is coated with oil, it can die within hours and can bring sludge back to its nest and young in the meantime. Furthermore, these months are a key spawning period for shrimp and sea turtles in the Gulf of Mexico, meaning the immediate effects of the oil could last for generations to come.

The threat of oil washing onto the coast and damaging delicate coastal and marine ecosystems will continue to increase...and the reality is much harsher than even this begins to explain.

The real story is a much more grim reality, that involves 11 species of water and ocean life, that are likely facing the first days of an inevitable mass extinction event. The effects are never going to be repaired, even if the oil is capped, corked, or stopped from spilling anytime soon. The damage is done, For the children of the sea, the creatures that depend upon the oceans for their very oxygen, for life itself...the days are counting down. Many articles have been reporting the news of the Gulf Crisis.

The only focus of these articles is to give attention to the innocent victims that before April 20th were all endangered species. But since, they will likely become extinct within our lifetime. Within decades or less is the most likely reality.

There are really only six ways to help right now - the committment of

each varies from volunteering time, to giving to effective wildlife non-profits, to donating human hair to sop up the oil.

Tri-State Bird and Rescue is overseeing the wildlife rehabilitation response along the Gulf Coast and working closely with many collaborating organizations. Call 1-800-557-1401 to report oiled or injured wildlife. People are urged not to attempt to help injured or oiled animals, but to report any sightings via the toll-free number. Learn more about volunteering here, and donate here.

The Deepwater Horizon Response Volunteer Request Line has been established to organize and inform volunteers who want to help clean up beaches. If you can donate time or use of a vessel or equipment, call 1-866-448-5816.

The Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana is looking for volunteers for a variety of jobs, from oiled wildlife recovery to monitoring and photographing oil movement. Anyone with experience in dealing with wildlife handling, rehabilitation, or hazardous materials clean up is strongly encouraged to register as a volunteer here. Donate to the coalition here.

Mobile Baykeeper is an environmental group focused on mitigating the spill’s impact in the Mobile, Alabama area. Email info@mobilebaykeeper.org if you can volunteer time or access to a boat. Donate to the group’s spill relief efforts here.

Matter of Trust is collecting hair from barbershops and salons, as well as old pantyhose, to create booms that absorb oil, preventing it from reaching the shore. Find out how to donate here.

The National Wildlife Federation has sent a team of wildlife experts to assess the devastating impact of this unfolding tragedy on the region’s communities, wildlife, marshes, and wetlands. They are taking donations to help rescue otters, loggerhead sea turtles, brown pelicans, and 400 other species that live in the region.

Also you can join the Daily Beast on their Facebook group to keep up to date on everything new happening with the Gulf catastrophe here.

http://hubpages.com/hub/11-Species-Face-Extinction-in-Gulf-Catastrophe