The US and Mexico Leverage Resources to Fight the Impact of the Gulf Oil Spill

The Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT) is working closely with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), the National Park Service (NPS), and the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in the event that spillage from the Gulf of Mexico Oil Disaster washes up on coasts later in the year. A plan was presented to the Mexican Congress on June 16 to address the current and potential impacts of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill upon Mexican territory. Scientists are concerned that oil may drift into Mexican national waters in the fall, when the hurricane season and other natural forces can alter sea currents. SEMARNAT will undertake measures to lessen the impact on Mexico’s ecosystems and biodiversity, including the purchase of protective equipment and physical barriers.

SEMARNAT began monitoring Mexican waters a month ago, but needs to extend its activities deeper and further offshore to adequately track and predict sea currents. The U.S. has offered to help coordinate technical assistance and logistical support. As part of these efforts, Mexican experts will visit the U.S. and review state and local contingency plans to protect wildlife along the Gulf coast. Of most concern is that the fisheries, tourism, and marine wildlife on the coasts of Tamaulipas, Veracruz, Tabasco, and Campeche would be severely harmed. Mexico has stressed that damages caused by the spill should be assessed jointly by the U.S. and Mexico to ultimately recuperate the monetary losses attributable to this environmental catastrophe.