How Do Oil Spills Affect Animals?

Oceanic oil spills can have a large impact on the animal life in that section of the ocean. If the spill occurs close enough to land, ocean currents may carry it to nearby shores where it can affect land animals as well.

Birds

Oil has caused the deaths of large numbers of sea birds. When they are coated with oil they often die of hypothermia, dehydration, starvation or drowning.

Fish

Oil spills are not thought to have a significant impact on fish populations in the open sea. Although laboratory tests have shown that oil is highly toxic to fish eggs, most fish live and lay their eggs well below the surface and thus away from the oil.

Cetaceans

Cetaceans--whales--may be affected by oil when they surface to breathe, causing lung and airway irritation, particularly in dolphins. Long-term ingestion of subtoxic quantities of oil can lead to depressed immune systems and lead to numerous infections in these animals.

Pinnipeds

Pinnepeds--sea lions, seals and walruses--must surface regularly to breathe while swimming, which can result in them becoming coated with oil. An oil coating can reduce a pinniped's mobility and speed in the water, which means they cannot catch food as easily. Also, pinniped mothers often ingest oil while cleaning their pups with their tongues.

Sea Turtles

Sea turtles can be poisoned by the ingestion of oil at the surface or through contaminated food. If the sandy beaches where they nest are oiled, their eggs can face inhibited development and their hatchlings may become contaminated with oil as they struggle to reach the water.

References

• Australian Marine Safety Authority: The Effects of Maritime Oil Spills on Wildlife including Non-Avian Marine Life