And because the bacteria use oxygen in the water as they digest oil, scientists are concerned that process could cause an oxygen-depleted area underwater a "dead zone" that could choke off a variety of undersea life.

WSJ: Gauging Harm to Ecosystem Could Take Years

After the lumber industry depleted local forest, the area became designated a protected national park with a coastline famous for spotting resident beluga whales and other species that migrate here to feed in the nutrient-rich waters.

BBC: Canada��s greatest cycling trail