Huge skimmer test inconclusive

Testing of a 10-story tall skimmer that's seen as a best hope for sucking up oil in the Gulf of Mexico has been inconclusive because of rough seas. The vessel can pull in 21 million gallons of water a day. Tests will continue. (Source: New Orleans Times-Picayune, 07/05/10) A ban on fishing in federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico has been extended to an area south of Vermilion Bay, La. About a third of the Gulf is now closed to fishing. (Source: AP via Mobile Press-Register, 07/05/10) BP's costs for the oil spill is now just over $3 billion. It was $2.65 billion a week ago. (Source: AP via Mobile Press-Register, 07/05/10) The Deepwater Horizon exploded April 20, killing 11 workers. Oil and gas have spewed into the Gulf of Mexico ever since, soiling the coastlines and wildlife from Louisiana to Florida. The tourism and fishing industries have taken a huge hit.