Documentary explores state of the Gulf

AUSTIN (KXAN) - The eyes of the world focused on the Gulf of Mexico for 86 days last spring and summer - as oil from a blown well gushed into the water

But now, while many have moved on to other big stories, Texas scientists are digging deeper to study the long-term damage. That is one aspect that's explored in a new documentary called the State of the Gulf.

While many may view the Gulf of Mexico as a vacation spot, it also provides a huge economic impact for Texas due to its shipping, oil and gas industry.

"It's our states largest body of water and it's something every single Texan has a stake to," said Carter Smith, Ex. Dir. Texas Parks and Wildlife.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife hopes to show through this documentary how this body of water affects every single person in Texas.

"We have to remember that every single drop of water that falls on our lawns, pastures, and streams may ultimately wind up in the Gulf so we all have a role in making sure it stays healthy for future generations to come," said Smith.

That means making sure the water stays clean for our fish.

"Ninety five percent of all the fish in the Gulf of Mexico live some part of their life cycle in Texas waters and so protecting value of those fisheries and the health of the wildlife are absolutely essential to our states health and vitality," said Smith.

But that issue came under a microscope when the Deep Water Horizon leaked millions of gallons of oil into the Gulf.

The documentary was being filmed during that time and the impact to Texas still remains to be seen.

"What we still don't know are the long term impact of the spill to the Gulf's fisheries and natural resources and those are issues we'll continue to study for years to come," said Smith.

And in one hour this documentary may have you viewing this body of water in a whole new light.

"It truly is one we all have an ownership and stake in," said Smith.

The documentary premiered earlier this month at the Alamo Drafthouse, it airs Thursday night at 8 on PBS.

Starting Friday you can watch it online .