The Government should continue to update the public on the impact of the Deepwater Horizon Gulf oil spill, according to the Bermuda Democratic Alliance.

Katherine Michelmore, deputy leader and spokesperson on the environment for the BDA, added that Bermuda was fortunate to have the local expertise of individuals such as BIOS director Tony Knap and Director of Environmental Protection, Fred Ming contributing to the discussion.

"Whilst the direct implications for Bermuda are still uncertain, it is appropriate that we should be watching developments carefully and making contingency plans," she said.

Dr. Michelmore added it was "reassuring" to hear that Government intended to formally monitor the impact of oil on Bermuda's waters, and hoped the information would be made public when it was finished.

Last week Dr. Ming said the Government was considering testing water surrounding Bermuda through a partnership with the Somers Isle.

The ship travels between Bermuda and Fernandina, Florida, and Government is looking at putting an instrument on board to measure hydrocarbon levels just below the ocean surface. Hydrocarbon is a substance found naturally in oil.

This method could help determine whether the oil is moving closer to the Island, Dr. Ming said.

Dr. Michelmore said this was encouraging, but added: "The Minister of Environment and Sport has indicated that Bermuda does have a National Disaster Plan to put into effect, should the oil reach our shores, but to date details regarding the specifics, including the costs in implementation of such a plan are not clear," she said. "Concern still exists over the unknown impact on fish stocks and whether this will impact our local fisheries and the safety of local fish for consumption.

"The Bermuda Democratic Alliance encourages the Government to ensure that all information regarding the impact of this disaster is kept clearly in the public eye, and to communicate clearly how our National Disaster Plan will come into action."