Oil and Island Living Don’t Mix—But What About Sanibel and Captiva?

The current disastrous oil leak has all wildlife enthusiasts and vacationers alike scrambling to find out if the Sanibel oil leak is affecting the Captiva Island area. With oil covering roughly 2,500 square miles of ocean surface, and over 1,500,000 gallons of oil still pumping out today, it is no wonder everyone is in a panic.

Sanibel Island is made up of nearly 50% wildlife refuge and is also home to the famous Ding Darling Wildlife refuge. Birds such as pelicans, egrets, seagulls and even bald eagles have all been seen on the island. The island is also known for its vast variety of sea life and seashells. Sand dollars, mollusks, and scallops are popular finds here. Other wildlife such as alligators, turtles, and sometimes even dolphins and sharks can be spotted. With all this beautiful wildlife, the Sanibel oil slick is worrying everyone.

Sanibel and Captiva Islands are taking precautions. One of these precautions is setting up boom barriers along targeted parts of the coastline in hopes that they will be able to protect the beaches, as well as the mangroves from any potential oil threats. There are also neighborhood beach watches, which are group activities that keep a close eye out for any signs of changes in the environment.

Wildlife lovers can relax for now, as there is no evidence of the oil spill reaching Sanibel Island. The Gulf’s wind patterns suggest that it is very unlikely the oil will ever reach Sanibel’s shores. Anxious vacationers can stop holding their breath as all signs point to clean beaches now and in the future.

Do not let the Sanibel Captiva oil scare make you cancel any plans you might have had for taking in the breathtaking sights of these paradise islands. The shelling is still top rate and the fish are still biting. Everyone could use a vacation and Sanibel Island is still ranked high in the hearts of wildlife lovers and vacationers alike.