<P> It was estimated with plus - or - minus 10% uncertainty that 4.9 million barrels (780,000 m) of oil was released from the well; 4.1 million barrels (650,000 m) of oil went into the Gulf . The report led by the Department of the Interior and the NOAA said that "75% (of oil) has been cleaned up by Man or Mother Nature"; however, only about 25% of released oil was collected or removed while about 75% of oil remained in the environment in one form or another . In 2012, Markus Huettel, a benthic ecologist at Florida State University, maintained that while much of BP's oil was degraded or evaporated, at least 60% remains unaccounted for . </P> <P> In May 2010, a local native set up a network for people to volunteer their assistance in cleaning up beaches . Boat captains were given the opportunity to offer the use of their boat to help clean and prevent the oil from further spreading . To assist with the efforts the captains had to register their ships with the Vessels of Opportunity, however an issue arose when more boats registered than actually participated in the clean up efforts - only a third of the registered boats . Many local supporters were disappointed with BP's slow response, prompting the formation of The Florida Key Environmental Coalition . This coalition gained significant influence in the clean up of the oil spill to try and gain some control over the situation . </P> <P> Containment booms stretching over 4,200,000 feet (1,300 km) were deployed, either to corral the oil or as barriers to protect marshes, mangroves, shrimp / crab / oyster ranches or other ecologically sensitive areas . Booms extend 18--48 inches (0.46--1.22 m) above and below the water surface and were effective only in relatively calm and slow - moving waters . Including one - time use sorbent booms, a total of 13,300,000 feet (4,100 km) of booms were deployed . Booms were criticized for washing up on the shore with the oil, allowing oil to escape above or below the boom, and for ineffectiveness in more than three to four - foot (90--120 cm) waves . </P> <P> The Louisiana barrier island plan was developed to construct barrier islands to protect the coast of Louisiana . The plan was criticised for its expense and poor results . Critics allege that the decision to pursue the project was political with little scientific input . The EPA expressed concern that the booms would threaten wildlife . </P>

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