Oil and Oil Response Activities 



The oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico resulting from the Ixtoc well, and the 

 subsequent activities of both U.S. and Mexican agencies, must be considered when 

 evaluating the results of the aerial surveys conducted as a part of the Pilot Study. 

 Significant quantities of oil began entering waters of the Gulf of Mexico in June 1979 and 

 continued flowing at variable rates until 1 March 1980. Oil and petroleum components 

 were conspicuous in both STEX and NTEX survey subunits during August 1979 surveys. 

 At that time oil containment devices were being utilized and tested for some of the 

 coastal lagoons of Texas. Corpus Christi, Texas, was the oil spill response center for 

 U.S. personnel, and as a result air and ship traffic was possibly above normal levels 

 preceding and during some surveys. 



The actual effects of oil and oil spill activities on the results of the aerial surveys 

 are unknown because pre-spiU baseline data are unavailable. The preliminary data 

 gathered during the Pilot Study potentially establish such a baseline for evaluating oil 

 effects in an indirect manner. All flights were conducted according to the previously 

 developed study plan. Oiled and non-oiled areas were studied with identical intensities 

 and techniques. When possible the location and appearance of presumed oil 

 concentrations were recorded for possible analysis with animal sightings and other 

 environmental data. 



Evidence of oil contamination of ocean waters was also noted in Florida survey 

 subunits. In one case, the source of the oil was traced to a Liberian tanker flushing tanks 

 in open water. A group of dolphins were seen swimming through the slick. Such 

 observations were recorded whenever possible. 



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