Scientists discuss spill impact at forum

OCEAN SPRINGS, Miss. - Scientists from the Gulf Coast Research Lab presented a more hopeful picture about the effects of the oil on the environment. They said lab tests show bacteria eat both the oil and dispersant, and researchers are having a hard time finding the underwater plumes that existed earlier in the oil disaster. The comments were made during a lecture Thursday night. In another matter, Bill Hawkins, director of GCRL, said no one on his staff is on retainer to do research for BP. A report in the Mobile Press-Register earlier this month said BP was trying to hire scientists to do research under condition they not release any of their findings for three years. (Source: Sun Herald, 07/29/10, Mississippi Press, 07/30/10)