It’s been 60 days and oil continues to pour into the Gulf of Mexico, but with it now are new concerns.
Scientists say it’s not just the oil, but the methane that could literally choke off the ecosystem.
The natural gas mixed in with the crude oil in especially high concentrations could deplete oxygen levels, suffocate fish and eventually create dead zones.
It’s another hit to a region already battered and bruised.
On Thursday BP captured 25,000, the highest rate yet, but still not the 35 to 60,000 that may be flowing.
Coast Guard Admiral Thad Allen says the capture rate will eventually top out at around 53,000 barrels.
BP CEO Tony Hayward told Congress on Thursday that relief wells will be the only way to completely stop the flow.
Meanwhile, officials have announced a new strategy with skimmer boats.
Admiral Allen says an estimated 2,000 private boats will be more closely commanded and directed to locations less than 50 miles from the coast.