If the military is successful in stopping the leak in the Gulf there is still significant oil already in the water.

“While BP is ultimately responsible for funding the cost of response and cleanup operations, my administration will continue to use every single available resource at our disposal,” President Barack Obama said in remarks at the White House.



Effects of the Deepwater Horizon Spill  (click title to entry - thank you)

While the spill is located within miles of the Louisiana wetlands, the environment and economy is already starting to feel the dense, pungent effects of the spill.

The German reinsurer Hannover Re said they are expecting more than $52.7 million in losses as a result of the oil rig spill, as reported by the Associated Press. As economic data becomes available, other companies are sure to report losses as well.

"We are scared to death because the rig is still leaking," Lanctot said. "There are reports that the oil is already reaching the shoreline."

Louisiana is one the largest seafood producers nationwide and has some of the richest oyster beds and shrimping waters in the lower 48 states.

"Louisiana is the largest producer of the Blue Crab," he said. "We also harvest oysters and shrimp and these economies are going to be greatly effected."

Shrimp harvest usually takes place in the early parts of May, but Louisiana fishing authorities opened the waters early, hoping fisherman could get the most out of the harvest before the spill moves into shore.

Other wildlife at risk live along the 3 million acres of Louisiana wetlands. Game fish, as well as various bird species, that call the marches home have the potential to be killed or displaced by the spill....