Ecotoxicology of the gulf oil spill: A holistic framework for assessing impacts

• Sean S. Anderson
• Gary Cherr
• Charles H. Peterson

Abstract
The largest oil spill in U.S. history, infused with dispersants released into the waters of the northern Gulf of Mexico in response to this still-unfolding disaster, has created an unprecedented threat to the ecology of coastal and marine communities. To date, most efforts have been directed towards halting the spill or documenting its current state. With apparently limited ecotoxicological information, governmental and private entities are preparing to create and fund large-scale and long-term monitoring efforts across the Gulf. We propose to assemble ecologists, chemists, and ecotoxicologists with experience in coastal oil spills, in coastal and pelagic ecology, and who are collecting in situ data in the wake of the Gulf Coast spill. Our group will create a framework outlining potential ecotoxicological impacts upon Gulf populations and communities with a primary goal of providing this information to decision making and funding entities in an expedited manner.