California Oil Spill: Researchers Examine Potential Los Angeles Damage

SAN PEDRO, CA — Los Angeles County lifeguards, along with student and staff researchers from Cal State University Long Beach, collected samples last week to see how the Orange County oil spill threatened wildlife in the area.

The group collected fish samples to test, according to lifeguard officials.

Lifeguards described what they found during the assessment.

"Fortunately, Los Angeles County Beaches only saw minor impacts of the spill, due to prevailing winds and ocean currents," lifeguard officials said. "We are happy to provide assistance as these organizations continue to assess the environmental and ecological impacts from the spill."

RELATED: State Officials Pledge Orange County Oil Spill Won't Happen Again

The damage appears to be extensive in Orange County, the Los Angeles Times reports.

An investigation is ongoing and U.S. Coast Guard officials have identified a cargo ship that could be tied to the oil spill that released 25,000 gallons of oil into the Pacific Ocean, just off the coast of Orange County.

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