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Biloxi Back Bay RAR

Resources at Risk for Biloxi Back Bay, Biloxi, Mississippi

I.	Spill Source Information
This report was prepared at 10:00 am EDT on September 14, 2005.
Information in the report is a general overview of the resources in the
area.

II.	Geographic Region Covered
The area covered by this report is Back Bay of Biloxi.  This area does
not necessarily correspond to actual or potential spill locations.
Consult other Hotline reports for location information.

III.	Expected Behavior of the Spilled Material
This report is not based on a spill of any specific product but does
provide a general overview of the resources in the area.

IV.	Shoreline Resources at Risk
The shoreline on the western half of Back Bay of Biloxi and the north
shoreline of the eastern half is mostly marshes with a few sections of
exposed or sheltered seawalls.  The south shoreline on the east end is a
combination of sheltered and exposed solid man-made structures.  The
creeks feeding into the bay are lined with marshes.  There are also a
few short segments of fine-grained sand beaches and riprap.

V.	Biological Resources at Risk
Included are general statements about the effects of oil on the various
biological resources.  The effects may vary based on the type of
contaminant, since the behavior, toxicity, and availability of the
material can vary from product to product.
	Fish - Numerous species of fish are present at this time of year
including, but not limited to, Atlantic croaker (spawning), bay anchovy
(spawning), catfish, gulf menhaden, silversides (spawning), red drum
(spawning), silver perch, southern kingfish, spot, sand seatrout,
spotted seatrout, stripped mullet, southern flounder, and threadfin
shad.  In general juvenile and larval fish are most sensitive to spilled
oil.  Fish in shallow water areas are more likely to be impacted, since
there is likely to be a higher concentration of oil in the water column.
Surface slicks usually do not have much of an impact on fish.
	Shellfish - Shellfish in the area include blue crab (spawning),
Brown shrimp, pink shrimp (spawning), white shrimp (spawning), and
brackishwater clam (spawning). There are oyster beds at the eastern end
of Back Bay of Biloxi.  Juvenile and larval life stages of all of these
shellfish are also present in the area.  Shellfish in shallow water
areas are more likely to be impacted, since it is more likely that there
is a higher concentration of oil in the water column.  Surface slicks
usually do not have much of an impact on crabs and shrimp.  Crabs,
clams, and oysters may be contaminated by a heavy sinking oil.
	Birds - Present in the area are numerous species of shorebirds,
including piping plover (federally threatened) and snowy plover (state
endangered), wading birds, osprey, white pelican, brown pelican
(federally endangered), bald eagle (federally threatened), mottled duck,
terns, double-crested cormorant, common loon, and gulls.  October is the
beginning of the migratory and overwintering season for waterfowl.
Large numbers of waterfowl may be in the area starting in October.
Diving birds (pelicans, cormorants) and waterfowl are usually at
greatest risk during oil spills, because they spend nearly all their
time on the water surface.  Waterfowl and wading birds may be directly
oiled, and can become oiled on the upper body and feathers by coming in
contact with oiled vegetation or wrack.  Shorebirds usually avoid oil,
but may be impacted by loss of feeding areas or intertidal prey,
particularly during migration periods.  Gulls and terns may be at risk
because they are often attracted to and will prey on sick or injured
prey.  This behavior may result in oiling of feathers and the ingestion
of oil.
Oiling of birds reduces the buoyancy, water repellency, and insulation
provided by feathers, and may result in death by drowning or
hypothermia.  Preening of oiled feathers may also result in ingestion of
oil resulting in irritation, sickness, or death.  Bird oiling,
particularly for waterfowl and wading birds, may continue even after the
floating oil slicks have been removed, depending on the extent of oiled
vegetation. 
	Mammals - Beaver, mink, muskrat, raccoon, nutria, and river
otter may be found throughout the wetlands and waterways of this area.
As with the birds oiling of these animals may reduce buoyancy, water
repellency, and insulation provided by the fur, and may result in death
by drowning or hypothermia.  Grooming of oiled fur may also result in
ingestion of oil resulting in irritation, sickness, or death.  The
spilled material may also cause irritation to organs such as the eyes as
well as the mucous membranes.
	Reptiles - American alligator (federally threatened), Gulf salt
marsh snake, and Mississippi diamondback terrapin are present in these
waters at this time.  The terrapins are nesting and hatching at this
time of year.  Oil may cause irritation and inflammation of the mucus
membranes, especially around the eyes and nostrils, in all of these
reptiles.

VI.	Human-Use Resources at Risk
There are numerous boat ramps and marinas located along Back Bay of
Biloxi.  Also along the shorelines are numerous archaeological sites.
The eastern end of the bay is a recreational fishing area.