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How Oil Spills Affect the Ocean

The effects of oil spills from vessels vary depending on the type of oil, where it is spilled and what types of plants and animals are near the spill. Although many large-volume oil spills have come from vessel collisions, the majority of oil spilled into the ocean comes from automobiles and industrial waste.

  1. Types of Oil

    • Different types of oil have different environmental effects. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), scientists broadly categorize oil types into "light" and "heavy."

      When lighter oils, such as gas and diesel, spill out onto the water, they evaporate rather quickly and only remain in the environment for a short time. They are, however, highly toxic and highly flammable. Coming in contact with the oil or breathing the fumes can kill animals and plants. The oil can also ignite and explode.

      Heavier oils, such as those used to power ships, are not as toxic as light oils, but they can remain in the environment for years. They can harden after coming ashore, at which point they are less toxic to plants and animals. Heavy oil spills harm plants and animals by smothering them.

    Most Affected Animals

    • The NOAA notes that seabirds are harmed and killed more often than other creatures because they frequently come in contact with the oil at the surface after a spill. Sea otters are also affected in great numbers, as their fur can no longer regulate their body temperature after coming in contact with oil. Fish are often only briefly affected by oil spills, unless they occur in confined or shallow waters.

    Geography

    • Since 1960, The Oil Spill Intelligence Report has tracked oil spill incidents of at least 10,000 gallons in the waters around 112 countries. The five areas in which the most oil spills (from vessels) have occurred are as follows:
      267 spills in the Gulf of Mexico
      140 spills near the northeastern U.S.
      127 spills in the Mediterranean Sea
      108 spills in the Persian Gulf
      75 spills in the North Sea

    Cleanup of Oil Spills

    • After oil from a spill has come ashore, several different chemicals, techniques, and even microorganisms, are used to return the habitat to pre-spill levels. The spill response depends on the material and volume of the spill. See the Resources section to learn more about spill response techniques.

    Misconceptions

    • Many people believe that oil spills in the ocean come mainly from vessels, but that is not true, according to the Smithsonian Institute. Approximately 37 million gallons of oil are spilled from vessels running aground each year and another 60 million gallons seep out of oil-bearing rock layers, but the majority---363 million gallons---comes from automobiles and industrial waste.

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