Oil industry impact on beaches discussed in report

The impact of the oil industry on beaches in the Gulf of Mexico region is discussed in a new report from the Clean Beaches Coalition.

According to the study, the oil industry's impact - due specifically to the leaking BP-operated rig Deepwater Horizon - has already had an effect on the number of coastal regions presented with the Blue Wave award for cleanliness.

However, this is expected to worsen in the years following the leak as the after-effects take hold of an area popular among tourists.

Walter McLeod, founder of the Clean Beaches Coalition, says: "The devastation in the Gulf of Mexico has crystallised the importance of clean beaches to Americans."

Beaches in Florida do remain on the list this year, as do coastal regions of 18 other US states and territories.

Meanwhile, Mr McLeod takes the opportunity to express his own support for the areas affected by the oil spill.

He says that his own family loves their "special way of life" and will continue to support those regions affected by the leak.