The following photographs are from the R/V Walton Smith Deepwater Horizon cruise which
took place in the central Gulf of Mexico and Loop Current. The purpose of this cruise
was to investigate the presence of oil and evaluate the condition of observed birds,
vertebrates, and invertebrates in the water along the cruise track. Neuston net
tows were conducted to collect tar balls, larval fish and invertebrates in the water.
Satellite-tracked drifting buoys were deployed to monitor surface water movement.
Oil was found and confirmed to be from the Deepwater Horizon site:
Neuston net tows:
Crab and crab Larvae:
Puffer fish and small fish:
Deployment of a satellite-tracked drifting buoy: