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Facts about the Gulf of Mexico
- The Gulf of Mexico has 1631 miles of coastline and over 16,000 miles of shoreline (including bays and inland waterways). Source: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- Nearly ½ of all US coastal wetlands – over 5 million acres – are located along the gulf. Source: EPA
- The coastal plains of the western gulf are used by nearly all of the migratory land bird species of the eastern US, as well as many western species. Source: US Geological Survey
- From New Orleans seafood restaurants to Florida vacation rentals, the gulf’s annual tourist industry is estimated at over $100 billion. source: USA Today
- The gulf is home to four of the top seven fishing ports in the United States and seven of the top ten seaports. Source: EPA
- The gulf is home to an estimated 45,000 bottlenose dolphins. Source: EPA
- The gulf waters are home to 73% of the shrimp and 59% of the oysters harvested in the United States each year and a total of 1.3 billion pounds of seafood valued at over $650 million. Source: EPA
Oil & Gas Exploration in the Gulf of Mexico
- ¼ of US domestic natural gas and 1/8 of U.S. oil is extracted from the gulf. Source: Minerals Management Service (MMS)
- The offshore oil and gas industry employs 55,000 workers in the gulf. Source: EPA
- In 2006, the offshore rigs extracted 470 million barrels of oil. Source: EPA
- Lease rates paid to MMS: up to $1million/day Source: MMS
- Maximum fine MMS can levy for violations: $35,000 Source: MMS
- Dollars spent by BP on clean up: $17.5 million/day. Source: Washington Post
- BP profits (1st quarter 2010): $93 million/day and market value: $156.2 billion. Source: Washington Post (May 11, 2010)
- Punitive damages for 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill: $1 billion (settled in 2009, reduced from original $5 billion). Source: Washington Post
- Exxon profits ($19.42 billion in 2009, $45.2 billion in 2008). Source: Fortune
Our Connection to Offshore Drilling
- U.S. petroleum consumption: 19.5 million barrels/day – 71% for transportation Source: Energy Information Administration (EIA)
- Annual consumption of bottled water in the U.S. requires the equivalent of between 32 and 54 million barrels of oil. Source: Pacific Insitute
- 100 billion single-use bags — using 12 million barrels of oil — are used each year in the U.S. Source: Worldwatch Institute