NOAA Permits Deep Sea Mining Amid Global Objections

Fifteen years after the Deepwater Horizon disaster, restoration and research efforts continue along the Gulf Coast to address the long-term environmental impacts of the spill, which released over 130 million gallons of oil and caused significant damage to marine life and coastal communities. The event led to unprecedented funding and scientific initiatives, such as sea turtle restoration programs and ongoing studies by academic institutions like the University of Southern Mississippi, which mobilized quickly to assess and monitor the spill’s effects. Meanwhile, a recent oil spill in the Mississippi Delta has prompted a large-scale response involving the U.S. Coast Guard and multiple agencies working to contain and clean up the release, though the source has not yet been fully secured. No injuries or wildlife impacts have been reported so far in this latest spill, and efforts are focused on minimizing environmental harm. These incidents underscore the ongoing risks posed by offshore drilling and the importance of sustained restoration and preparedness in the Gulf region.