Whale Sharks Killed, Displaced by Gulf Oil?

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2010/09/100924-whale-sharks-gulf-oil-spill-science-environment/

According to the National Geographic article "Whale Sharks Killed, Displaced by Gulf Oil?", it is being suggested that whale sharks have died and sunk to the bottom of the ocean due to the oil spill. A feeding habitat where the whale sharks swarm was contaminated by the spill. Although there have been no bodies found, it is being suggested by 'new research' that these mamals have been killed. Because of the unsightly scene of oil covering the surface of the water, biologist Eric Hoffmayer from the University of Southern Mississippi's Gulf Coast Research Laboratory notes that the whale sharks could have suffocated due to their gills filling with oil or their prey being tainted. Although much of the oil has disappeared, the spill isnt 'going away' say scientists. Because the shark whales swim with their mouths open so that they may feed off tiny plankton, they are believed to be at greater risk of absorbing dispersants being used during the clean up effort and other contaminants. Scientists are concerned that the oil has submerged to the bottom and that more animals are in danger. Theyre hoping that fish and sharks theyre tracking will provide them with information about new habits being formed and new territory being covered because of the oil spill.
Animals act on instinct, so it is most plausible that they have drifted on to newer territories and feeding grounds. im sure there have been deaths among these sharks, but they will be fine. they are smart creatures and will adopt a new way of living. As it has been discovered, certain fish being tracked have adopted new habits and they are migrating elsewhere to avoid the oil. Hopefully this spill is dealt with soon.