Marine Oil Spills

I remember sitting in awe watching the underwater cameras that were filming the thousands of gallons of oil spilling into the ocean back in 2010 during the BP oil spill. The sight was horrific. I sat and thought about the ramifications that a catastrophe of this magnitude would have on the ocean and all the marine life in the area, not to mention the effect it would have on the food chain and fishermen who made a living in that area. I was angry with the human carelessness that had once again taken its toll on the seas.

A marine oil spill is the release of a liquid petroleum hydrocarbon into the ocean or coastal waters, due to human activity, and is a form of pollution. The marine environment is a key interrelated and complementary element that is crucial for the existence of the biodiversity, ecosystem and human life on this planet (Sinanaj & Xhelilaj, 2010). There are a number of factors which determine the precise nature and duration of a possible impact of an oil spill in a marine environment. The most significant factors are the category and quantity of oil and its behavior once spilled; the physical features of the affected region; weather conditions and seasons; the nature and the efficiency of the clean-up operation, the biological and economical characteristics of the area and their vulnerability to oil pollution (Sinanaj & Xhelilaj, 2010).

Oil pollution may severely impact the ecosystem and the biodiversity of the ocean and coastal areas resulting in possible danger to the marine life. The impact of an oil spill on marine life depends heavily on the physical and chemical characteristics of the particular oil and on the weathering process (Sinanaj & Xhelilaj, 2010). The toxic effect of oil on marine life depends on the length of exposure and the oil concentration in the ocean. Coral reefs are susceptible to oil spills because oil compounds can dissolve in water with exposes the corals to potentially toxic compounds. Adult fish, squid, shrimp, wild stocks of important marine animals and plants seldom suffer long-term damage from oil spill exposure.





The biggest impact is found on shorelines where animals and plants may be physically coated and smothered by oil or exposed directly to toxic components in the oil. Shellfish are more vulnerable that fish to oil spills because of their close association with contaminated sediments, this also goes for fish located in fisheries. Organisms such as plankton may also be seriously impacted by oil pollution. Studies have revealed toxic and lethal effects on them. Sea and shore birds such as shags, fulmars, kittiwakes, razorbills, and guillemots are generally the group of birds mostly at risk from oil spills since they are easily harmed by floating water (Sinanaj & Xhelilaj, 2010).

Birds that submerge for their food or which gather on the sea surface are especially at risk. Oil can blind an animal, leaving it defenseless. The ingestion of oil causes dehydration and impairs the digestion process. Animals can be poisoned and may die from oil entering the lungs or liver. The most common cause of contaminated bird’s death is from drowning, starvation and loss of body heat and it must be noted that great mortality occurs during most spills which sometimes have even caused the entire breeding colonies to be seriously depleted(Sinanaj & Xhelilaj, 2010). The majority of birds die without human intervention. Some studies have suggested that less than one percent of oil-soaked birds survive, even after cleaning.

Sea mammals such whales, dolphins, and seals in the open sea are threatened from oil spills as well. Since the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico in 2010, which is the 5^th largest oil spill in the world, hundreds of dead dolphins and aborted dolphin babies have been found. Researchers say that the number of dolphins and whales killed by the disaster could be as much as 50 times higher than the bodies found. Not to mention the eyeless shrimp that fishermen have now been reporting that they have been catching. But marine mammals such as seal and otters that breed on the shorelines are more prone to be affected by the oil pollution. The most endangered mammal species are those which rely on fur to regulate their body temperature because if the fur becomes contaminated with oil, the mammal may die from hyperthermia or overheating.

The US consumes more oil than any other country in the world. For decades the US has focused on producing and importing more oil, instead of increasing efficiency, lowering consumption, and new technologies. Oil spills are only caused by human activity. This fact alone means that if we are going to drill into these habitats for oil than we can’t continue to be careless about it. More precautions have to be taken in order to ensure that our need for oil doesn’t encroach on the well-being of the marine life that inhabits the seas. This goes for every single country in the world. We as humans have to be more careful with our actions.

Works Cited

Sinanaj, S., & Xhelilaj, E. (2010). The behavior and effects of oil pollution into the marine environment and oceans. Journal of Maritime Studies, pp. 19-25. Retrieved April 25, 2012 from the Complete Academic Database.