NOAA Stands By Oil Estimate In Gulf

By Eileen Fleming

New Orleans, La. – The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says about three-quarters of the oil that spilled has dissolved, evaporated or been eaten by microbes that feed on crude. The universities of Georgia and South Florida are estimating much more oil remains in the Gulf. NOAA Administrator Jane Lubchenco says the government will consider the findings.

"We want to have more comprehensive and better information, so we are launching this very significant effort that will really nail down and give us much better answers to the oil that is still out there."

National Incident Commander Thad Allen is asking all groups doing research on the oil's effect on the Gulf of Mexico to share information with government scientists.
For NPR News, I'm Eileen Fleming in New Orleans.