Scientists fret over BP funds for Gulf research

[cal04]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110424/ap_on_re_us/us_gulf_oil_spill_science_money

Scientists say it is taking far too long to dole out millions of dollars in BP funds for badly needed Gulf oil spill research, and it could be too late to assess the crude's impact on pelicans, shrimp and other species by the time studies begin.

The spring nesting and spawning season is a crucial time to get out and sample the reproduction rates, behavior and abundance of species, all factors that could be altered by last year's massive spill. Yet no money has been made available for this year, and it could take months to determine which projects will be funded.

"It's like a murder scene," said Dana Wetzel, an ecotoxicologist at the Mote Marine Laboratory in Florida. "You have to pick up the evidence now."

(snip)
The delay in BP funds has rankled scientists. There was a dearth of scientific investigation to understand the effects of the massive 1979 Ixtoc spill in the Gulf's Bay of Campeche, scientists said, and there are fears the same could happen in the wake of BP's spill.

[plumbob]

1. taking far too long?

Well, now, they may be scientists, but they're a bit naive if they think the oil companies want to know what's really going on.

Delay the pay, that's their motto.

Then by the time crumbs fall, all is forgiven. Or at least the original complainants are dead.

[robinlynne]

2. But they already got the tax cut for all of the money they are "going to" spend. really. They did!