Scientists to discuss oil spill impact

OCEAN SPRINGS, Miss. - Scientists from the University of Southern Mississippi's Gulf Coast Research Lab will discuss the impact of the oil spill on the Gulf of Mexico ecosystem at the next Issues and Answers lecture series Thursday night. The series, sponsored by the Sun Herald and USM, will be at the Mary C. O’Keefe Cultural Center. USM's Bill Hawkins, the panel moderator, said it may take years to know the full effects of the spill on the water and the marine life, but he hopes the lecture will help people understand what is going on. (Source: Sun Herald, USM, 07/24/10) The Deepwater Horizon exploded April 20, killing 11 workers. The ruptured well spilled oil and gas into the Gulf of Mexico until July 15. A permanent fix is expected early next month.