Source: Tank Barge DBL 152.

Release: Approxcimately 1.9 million gallons of oil.

Primary injury:

NOAA, in cooperation with the responsible party and its representatives, conducted a pre-assessment to determine the nature and extent of potential injuries to trust resources in the Gulf of Mexico associated with the Tank Barge DBL 152 oil discharge. Analyses of source oil samples, water samples, and sediment samples, as well as field observations, will be used to assess the ecological impact from the oil discharge. The detection and mapping of oil on the bottom was conducted using drag chains with attached sorbent material and a remotely operated vehicle affixed with a video camera.

The discharge oil could cause injury to benthic invertebrates, demersal fishes, and pelagic fishes. Benthic invertebrates may be smothered or coated, resulting in injury to both the benthic invertebrates and the animals that feed on them, including demersal fishes in the affected area.

Submerged Oil from Tank Barge DBL 152 on the seafloor in the Gulf of Mexico