Gulf of Mexico marine life declines following Deepwater Horizon spill

A new study published in the journal PNAS reveals that marine populations in the Gulf of Mexico's “twilight zone” have failed to recover following the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Researchers from Nova Southeastern University and Florida International University analyzed samples collected between 2011 and 2023, finding significant declines in various species.

According to the research, fish populations dropped by approximately 63.5%, while crustaceans—including shrimp and krill—decreased by 62%. Larger animals such as squid and octopuses saw declines of nearly 60%. Krill, a vital food source for many marine animals, experienced a population drop of nearly 73%.

Lead author Tracey Sutton noted that natural variables such as temperature, oxygen levels, and food availability did not account for these declines, pointing to the oil spill as the most likely cause. The study highlights that even widespread and seemingly resilient species have been severely impacted in the deep-sea ecosystem.