In an aerial view, oil pools in the marshlandsoutside of Venice, La. (April Buffington/NYT Institute)

To the untrained eye, the effects of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill on the marshlands of Southern Louisiana might not be easily recognizable from the air. But one look at the oil-stained sand dunes about 20 miles from Venice, La., and the reality of the ever-encroaching oil becomes apparent.

From the air, an intricate pattern of water, marshland and sand dunes stretches as far as the eye can see from the town of Venice to the Gulf. Dark blue water snakes through the maze-like wetlands, some areas covered with a layer of avocado-colored foam, as the muddy Mississippi River escorts barges loaded with containers to shipping points in the North.

Not far from Venice, the mixing of freshwater with saltwater from the Gulf creates a line of juxtaposition reminiscent of a yin and yang sign — tan, muddy freshwater giving way to blue-green saltwater. Discerning what is oil and what is the natural process of these waters converging can be difficult.

But a closer look toward the peppered masses of land shows just how easily identifiable the oil is. Syrupy swirls of black weave into the natural canals and lap against sand dunes, as white and orange booms attempt to isolate them. Some islands look like more oil than sand, something close to a cinnamon swirl pastry.

Miles of white containment boom have been stretched around islands and peninsulas, some with evidence of oil. Boats of all shapes and sizes meander through open water while smaller speedboats stay close to the booms. While the booms out in open water are either white or black, orange booms can be seen almost flush against the sand.

Many fear that the hundreds of birds, turtles and other wildlife that call the marsh home are in danger as their natural habitat is contaminated. Those who rely on the supply of fish, crab and oysters that are harvested from these waters are also concerned with the effect on the local seafood industry, a vital part of the local economy.

As new efforts to stop the leak and contain the damage continue to be explored, for now, residents simply watch and wait.

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