ocean

Oil Pollution

First of all, what is oil pollution? As a general term, pollution is the introduction of something like a substance or energy that results in the harm of the natural environment.

Oil Spill

Events like accidents involving oil rigs or storage facilities are some causes of oil pollution in the ocean, or, in a better term, oil spills.

Oil Spill Effects

Oil spills cause harm to living organisms and their habitats, which can greatly affect ecosystems

Effects on Wildlife

Oil can smother wildlife, hindering their ability to perform essential functions and survive.

Effects on Sunlight-Dependent Organisms

Oil floating on water can block sunlight, disrupting life processes of organisms that rely on it.

Graph

Thankfully, as of right now, the graph shows that numbers of oil spills have gone down, but that doesn't mean they aren't still affecting the world

Actions

Currently, rules and measures are being implemented to ensure safe containment and transportation of oil to prevent spills as well as being thoroughly prepared in the occurrence of a spill by having good equipment and a proper plan

Small Scale Oil Spills

On a smaller scale, the U.S. EPA estimates 70 oil spills occur per day

Larger Scale Oil Spills

But on a larger scale, there have been 63 spills of more than 7 tonnes, resulting in 164000 tonnes of oil at sea in the 2010s