Oil Spill Effects On Marine Life
Oil spills endanger sea birds, mammals, and a variety of fish, shellfish, sharks, and other marine animals. Oil kills warm blooded animals like otters and birds by destroying the insulating capacity of their feathers, leaving them exposed to the harsh elements. Birds and mammals can die from hypothermia if they lack the ability to repel water and insulate themselves from cold water.
Oil can also trap juvenile sea turtles, who mistake it for food and could also be inhaled by dolphins and whales, which could affect their lungs, immune systems, and reproduction.
Impact on the Sea Fishes
Fish, shellfish, and corals may not be immediately exposed to oil, but they could also come into contact with it if it is mixed into the water column; shellfish may also be exposed in the intertidal zone. Adult fish exposed to oil can also experience growth retardation, liver enlargement, changes in heart and respiratory rates, fin erosion, and impaired reproduction. Lethal and sublethal impacts on fish eggs and larvae can be particularly harmful. Even if no lethal effects are seen, oil can make fish and shellfish unfit for human consumption.
An oil spill has both quantitative and qualitative costs. Loss of oil, physical facility repairs, payment for cleaning up the spill and remediating the environment, regulatory agency penalties, and money paid in insurance and legal claims are all examples of quantitative costs. The qualitative costs of an oil spill include the destruction of pristine habitat and communities, as well as unknown wildlife and human health effects from water and soil pollution.
Prevention
Oil spill prevention has become a top priority and efforts to contain and remove spilled oil are regarded as secondary spill prevention. The costs of oil spills, as well as regulations governing offshore facilities and operations, have encouraged the development of improved spill prevention technology. The United States Congress passed the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 to improve oil spill prevention, planning, response, and restoration efforts. The Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund provides cleanup funds for oil pollution incidents under its provisions.
Individuals, as well as governments and industries should bear the responsibility for preventing oil spills. Because the sources of oil waste in ocean are usually careless rather than accidental, a true effective oil spill prevention requires everyone’s participation.
