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News Release 10-142
Gulf Oil Spill: NSF Awards Grant to Study Effects of Oil and Dispersants on Louisiana Salt Marsh Ecosystem
Researchers measuring impacts of short- and long-term exposure in extensive Gulf Coast marshes
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![Photo of a Louisiana salt marsh.](/news/mmg/media/images/gulf_dispersants1_f.jpg)
NSF-funded scientists are studying the effect of oil and dispersants on Louisiana salt marshes.
Credit: NOAA
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![Aerial photo showing the coast of Louisiana, which is lined with extensive salt marshes.](/news/mmg/media/images/black mangrove saltmarsh USGS2.jpg)
The coast of Louisiana is lined with extensive salt marshes whose foundation is two species of Spartina grass.
Credit: USGS
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![Photo of salt marsh periwinkle snails.](/news/mmg/media/images/gulf_dispersants3_f.jpg)
The ubiquitous salt marsh periwinkle snail is among myriad animals that may be affected.
Credit: Annette Summers Engel, LSU
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![Photo of ants on a stem of marsh grass.](/news/mmg/media/images/gulf_dispersants4_f.jpg)
Ants on a stem of marsh grass are but one species dependent on the salt marsh environment.
Credit: Xuan Chan, LSU
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![Photo of a vial containing water used to investigate ecosystem health.](/news/mmg/media/images/gulf_dispersants5_f.jpg)
Researchers collect samples of bacteria for investigations of ecosystem health.
Credit: Annette Summers Engel, LSU
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![Photo of scientists sampling oysters and other shellfish in a Gulf Coast salt marsh.](/news/mmg/media/images/gulf_dispersants6_f.jpg)
Scientists sample oysters and other shellfish in Gulf Coast salt marshes.
Credit: Annette Summers Engel, LSU
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![Photo of salt marsh samples being collected before the oil arrived.](/news/mmg/media/images/gulf_dispersants7_f.jpg)
Salt marsh samples are shown being collected along the Gulf Coast before the oil arrived.
Credit: Annette Summers Engel, LSU
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