The effects of a diesel fuel spill off the coast of Antarctica that happened one month ago may still be hazardous. The accident’s location intersects with the migratory path of several penguin breeds in the area, said Maria Jose Rosello, a Chilean marine biologist. She names the area as a breeding grounds for Antarctic, Adelia and Papua penguins.
The spill may also affect other organisms in the area. Veronica Vallejos, director of the scientific department at the Chilean Antarctic Institute, said the area is a high biodiversity zone, so the danger is even higher for the habitants. Those in danger include sea lions, fish, seals, krill, algae and plankton colonies, which are all integral to the area’s food chain.
The spill occurred when The Explorer, a cruise ship on a 19-day long trip off the coast of Antarctica, hit ice. Onboard were 50,000 gallons of diesel, 6,300 gallons of lubricant and 260 gallons of gasoline.
Diesel oil continues to flow from the ship, which has already sunken 4,800 feet into the ocean.
http://www.latimes.com/news/science/environment/la-fg-penguins2dec02,1,4768397.story?coll=la-news-environment&ctrack=1&cset=true
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