By Eileen Fleming
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wwno/local-wwno-923977.mp3
New Orleans, La. – NOAA Administrator Jane Lubchenco says with less oil visible on the surface and on shore, scientists are focusing on oil suspended in the water column and on the floor of the Gulf.
"There is oil that is being observed on the sediment, in the sediment on the seafloor surface. Much of the ongoing monitoring is designed to understand better where that is, what impact it may be having."
Researchers with the University of Georgia say they're finding oil as much as two inches thick. They say some was found 80 miles from the well. Lubchenco says long-term research will also include the effect of oil and dispersants on marine life.
For NPR News, I'm Eileen Fleming in New Orleans.