Full realization of the damage seems yet to come.
The oil 'plumes' which have been mentioned consist of poorly understood droplet mixtures of oil and water, in deep water. Some research has been done (Norway) but the longivity of the droplets and how they will affect marine life is poorly known. The effects may be long-lasting; even sealife that survives low levels of oil contamination will not be fit to eat, keeping fishermen out of work for a long period.

Deep water currents in the Gulf, moreover, often have different patterns than those of surface waters.

The NOAA has been criticized for slow analysis and reporting, but the agency has been hampered for many years by lack of sufficient funds. Moreover, they have been sent to other oceans than those bordering the Americas, to carry out mapping and research that often is politically motivated. Their 'flagship' was operating off Africa, and it took 2-3 weeks for it to return to aid in surveys in the Gulf. Of the 19 vessels owned by NOAA, only five were in the Gulf area.

Cuba and the U. S. have been talking about measures that can be taken to ameliorate effects of the oil as it gets from the Loop Current to the Gulf Stream proper.

BP seems not to be making full disclosure of the magnitude of the problem. They say they now are gathering 60% of the oil, but that leaves 40% spreading in Gulf waters. Ninteen percent of the Gulf has been closed to fishing and it is likely more will be closed as the effects of the 'plumes' become known.

NY Times, "Scientists Fault Lack of Studies Over Gulf Spill," Justin Gillis, May 19, 2010 (but published today).

Haliburton is not controlled by Dick Cheney, but by a diverse board; his association with them officially ended in 2000, although his office (with Bush) directed government spending indirectly with the company.