The oceans seem so vast, it is easy to assume that nothing we do has any effect on them, but this is far from the truth. Once an oil spill occurs, even the best clean-up efforts cannot prevent extensive damage to humans, the environment, and wildlife. The BP oil spill is the worst in US history and its devastating effects are becoming more and more apparent with each day that passes. But it will be a while before the spill’s full economic and environmental impact is known and, in fact, the spill is having different effects on different regions.