Is the floating oil free to anyone to collect since it in open seas? (government, world)

[Narcissus23]

If the oil in the gulf is offshore more than 25 miles is it in international waters, and anyone that wants to collect it can? Why is it just BP and the government collecting it? Why not let tons of private tankers come in an suck it all up?

[mlassoff]

Originally Posted by Narcissus23

If the oil in the gulf is offshore more than 25 miles is it in international waters, and anyone that wants to collect it can? Why is it just BP and the government collecting it? Why not let tons of private tankers come in an suck it all up?

While there are some mass deposits, there are now many, many smaller deposits that have separated and moved form the main spill. This will continue to occur and the oil will become less dense but effect a wider area. It's not practical (nor possible) I fear to simply vacuum it up... Too much and too big an area...

[Narcissus23]

Makes me realize what a truely insane time in the worlds history we exist. When does a natural resource become so important it is worth sliting ones own wrist to get it...................