Biological science doctoral students at Florida Atlantic University at Harbor Branch Treasure Coast campus have worked around the clock to gather marshland plant and animal samples from various gulf coast locations before crude oil hit the barrier islands and beaches.  Now that oil has fouled the beaches in many gulf locations, the students will continue to monitor the environmental effects of the spill to help with restoration process.  The impact of the oil spill is devastating the Gulf coast on so many levels, from ecology to tourism, all affecting people’s livelihoods.