Moreover, the sorts of fields that Western oil firms are starting to develop, in very deep water, or of nearly solid, tar-like oil, are ever more technically challenging.

ECONOMIST: Face value

Despite their importance to our nation as a source for economic and natural resources, we know very little about deep-water habitats in the Gulf of Mexico.

WHITEHOUSE: Watch Live: Be a Virtual Ocean Explorer

The water was very deep in some areas and more flood victims could be found, so the search will continue, officials said.

WSJ: Texas Flooding Kills One

Jefferson Parish Councilman Chris Roberts, who represents the area, told WWL-TV that the fire was in very shallow water, as little as a foot deep, and that authorities would not approach the site until the fire had burned itself out.

NPR: Blaze Erupts After Tug Hits Pipeline On La. Bayou

Coming back in a hostile business environment will be slow and painful, if ever, and the type of reservoirs under deep water, while enormously prolific, decline very fast.

FORBES: Oil Supply Disruption: A Sure Bet On Job Losses

The first was a very rare 12ft (3.6m) Sowerby's beaked whale - normally a deep water species which feeds off squid and cuttlefish.

BBC: Dead rare dolphin and whale found