S.F. Bay spill prompts pollution concerns

SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 11 (UPI) -- Scientists are growing increasingly concerned the oil spill in San Francisco Bay could significantly impact wildlife and plants in the region.

While the current focus on the oil spill has remained on cleaning up the fuel that spilled from the container ship Cosco Busan, scientists have said the ultimate results of last week's tragedy could be long-ranging, the San Francisco Chronicle said Sunday.

California Academy of Sciences scientist John McCosker said Wednesday's accident, which occurred when the ship crashed into a Bay Bridge tower, would likely first strike the bay's herring.

"It's not only tragic for the poor herring that come into the bay to spawn," he said, "but also for everything that depends on the herring -- the seals, sea lions, birds and bigger fish."

The oil spill has already impacted regional business as local fishermen have agreed to postpone all sport fishing, along with their annual crab season.

The Chronicle said California's Fish and Game Department has been asked to complete a comprehensive inspection of the spill's effects on the surrounding area.