US Oil Spill

DISASTER IN THE GULF

Up to 5,000 barrels of oil a day may be now be leaking into the water after last week's explosion on a BP-operated rig, which then sank.

While officials believe they can get this huge slick under control, environmentalists are deeply concerned, with some experts predicting a disaster on a huge scale spanning three or four American states.

A coastguard crew has set fire to part of the oil slick in an attempt to save environmentally-fragile wetlands. Also, a "controlled burn" of surface oil took place in an area about 30 miles (50km) east of the Mississippi River delta. Meanwhile,engineers are working on a dome-like device to cover oil rising to the surface and pump it to container vessels, but it may be weeks before this is in place. It is feared that work on sealing the leaking well using robotic submersibles might take months. Currently, eleven workers are missing and presumed dead after last week's explosion.

The oil spill threatens hundreds of species. Louisiana's coast contains some 40% of the nation's wetlands and spawning grounds for countless fish and birds.

AFP news agency reports that two Louisiana shrimpers have filed a lawsuit accusing the operators of the rig of negligence, and seeking at least $5m (£3.3m) in damages plus undetermined punitive damages. Under US law, BP will be expected to meet all the costs of the spill clean-up operation.

For more information and how to help click here: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8652686.stm

SURFrider Foundation

The Surfrider Foundation is a non-profit grassroots organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of our world’s oceans, waves and beaches. Founded in 1984 by a handful of visionary surfers in Malibu, California, the Surfrider Foundation now maintains over 50,000 members and 90 chapters worldwide. It has expanded internationally.


Surfrider's

Ocean Friendly Gardens “Be a part of the solution, not the pollution” The largest source of water pollution cannot be traced to any one point — it’s all of us. Pollutants “run off” our streets, neighborhoods and landscapes, wastefully and needlessly fouling our coastal waterways and ocean. But you can take simple steps in your own garden to create beautiful landscapes that capture the eye of your neighbors while capturing the polluted runoff that flows to our local beaches. Whenever water leaves a property it has the ability to take pollutants with it. Fertilizers, pesticides and oil are easily picked up by the power of water. While this runoff is greatest during rain storms, urban runoff occurs all year round as a result of improper irrigation, washing cars, and hosing down driveways. Runoff from residential landscapes affects the quality of our oceans and the quality of our lives. The sediment in water reduces clarity; nutrients increase algae populations and red tides; bacteria close beaches; debris can choke and suffocate aquatic species; and pesticides picked up off a landscape can poison fish consumed by humans — all of which degrade the natural beauty, and our enjoyment, of the ocean. The good news is that you can help bring back healthy coasts and oceans though CPR© — Conservation, Permeability and Retention. It’s a way for all of us to design and maintain our gardens so that we can reduce urban runoff — and the pollutants that go with it. Surfrider Foundation is partnering with water agencies and others to launch an education and outreach effort as a pilot "Ocean Friendly Gardens" program in Los Angeles and Orange Counties. Look for details on each chapter's Ocean Friendly Gardens program rollout on the chapter websites and in future email announcements from the chapters. But you can get started on your own garden and begin reducing polluted runoff today. Start in a small area and grow over time – or go for a full makeover. Be creative. Get your hands dirty. But most importantly, HAVE FUN!! In the following pages you will find: Simple instructions on designing your own “Ocean Friendly Garden” Summary of a study showing dramatic runoff reduction from the simplest first step Photographic examples of Ocean Friendly Gardens (and instructions to submit your own project for inclusion in the photo album) Comprehensive Plant List as described in the new Ocean Friendly Gardens book. Links to our partners’ websites, where to get rebates, virtual tours, and other helpful information on how to get started on your very own Ocean Friendly Garden. Also see Surfrider Foundation's printable (and viewable) 2-page brochure (8.5" by 14" layout in a 2 MB .pdf file) entitled, Guide to Gardening for Cleaner Waves and Coasts

You can connect regardless in what part of the world you call home.

Surfrider Affiliates
in Europe, Australia, Argentina, Brazil and chapters currently being organized in Costa Rica, Mexico, and Canada.

To see how you can donate and for volunteering opportunities please visit: http://www.surfrider.org