Coast Guard officials are investigating the source of a two-mile long oil spill that is threatening the Sandy Hook Bay and its wildlife.

Sandy Hook beach
Sandy Hook beach (Townsquare Media NJ)
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According to the Coast Guard in Monmouth County, the spill is believed to be diesel fuel, although it's still not clear where the fuel originated.

Coast Guard officials in New York said the oil sheen was reported from the National Response Center at 1:45 p.m. Thursday and officials were alerted after 2 p.m. A 47-foot boat was dispatched to the bay to determine the size of the sheen, which was found to be 2 miles long and 400 feet wide.

Coast Guard Petty Officer Richard Heller said a crew will likely be out tomorrow to determine whether to clean up or contain the spill. He said there isn't much that can be done to evaluate the spill until daylight. Officials are hoping that the wind speed and direction will work in their favor and contain, rather than spread the spill.

At this point, the Coast Guard is concerned that the spill could effect the wildlife that inhabit the bay, including the seals that migrate each winter to the area. Great and harbor seals migrate to the bay during the colder months, according to NBC 4 New York. The National Park Service says the animals have already moved there for the season, NBC reported.

In a statement released Thursday night, Congressman Frank Pallone Jr. (NJ-06), called the situation "troubling."

“Reports of an oil slick off the coast of Sandy Hook are troubling, and I will be closely monitoring this ongoing situation," Pallone said. "I will work with local and federal agencies, as well as the local communities, to make sure we minimize any adverse effects of the oil. It is critical that we find the source of the spill and take all necessary steps to ensure that our waters are not contaminated, that marine life and animals are not endangered, and that our shoreline is protected.”

Annette Petriccione and Rosetta Key contributed to this report.

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