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The BP oil spill was the largest marine oil spill ever and one of the worst environmental disasters in American history. More than 200 million gallons of crude oil gushed into the Gulf of Mexico, killing thousands of birds, fish, sea turtles, and other marine mammals, along with damaging the livelihoods of many fishermen. The long-term effects of the massive oil spill on the environment and the people who live and work in the area will not be known for years to come as the oil continues to wash ashore.

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Ribbons of oil mixed with dispersants flow towards the protected wildlife area of the Chandeleur Islands, where many birds live year round. A boat crosses through the toxic mixture two weeks after the oil spill began.