Information about the Oil Spill

Along with everyone in the United States, Dolphin Research Center is deeply concerned about the oil spill crisis in the Gulf of Mexico. The immediate and long-range environmental impact of hundreds of thousands of gallons of oil erupting from the Deepwater Horizon drilling rig will be nothing short of disastrous to the oceans and marine life.

As you know, the health and well-being of the dolphins and sea lions is always our number one priority. Although we do not know at this time whether the oil will threaten the Florida Keys and Dolphin Research Center, please rest assured that we are taking proactive measures to protect the family pod. Our team is hard at work on action plans and on obtaining appropriate equipment that we might need. For example, there are special booms that absorb great quantities of oil. If necessary, we will set these around the lagoons to form a barrier and keep away as much oil as possible. As always, we will do whatever it takes to keep the dolphins and sea lions safe.

Many of you have asked if we will move the pod to another location. Removing the dolphins from their ocean home and transporting them to unfamiliar surroundings would not be our first choice. We believe that there are other protective measures that can be taken before considering such a move.

Government officials throughout Florida, including the Florida Keys and the City of Marathon, are monitoring the situation minute by minute. There are many factors at play such as: federal plans to attempt to keep the oil from spreading and reaching the shores of Florida; prevailing weather conditions; and whether the oil slick reaches the Gulfstream. These are just some of the things that will determine whether our beautiful islands will be directly impacted.

The Florida Keys Emergency Management Team is providing us with regular alerts and we will remain on top of the situation until such time as the crisis is controlled and our family is safe. The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and the U.S. Coast Guard are advising Keys residents and visitors to seek information from official Web sites including: http://www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com and http://www.noaa.gov.

As always, we are grateful to all of you for your concern and support. Everyone at Dolphin Research Center knows that you join us in hoping for the best outcome during this troubled time. We will keep you posted as events continue to unfold.