Oils spills threaten marine life on the coast of British Columbia and worldwide. In the past, major oil spills like the Exxon Valdez oil spill (Alaska, 1989) have resulted in devastating effects on marine life. Unfortunately, these catastrophes still happen occasionally on our coasts such as the spill off Bella Bella in October 2016 and it is very difficult to prevent them. Projects that will bring more crude oil on our coast, such as the Kinder Morgan pipeline, are still being approved by our government. These projects increase the risks of catastrophic spills and threaten the fragile habitats of endangered marine mammals.
It is important to know that there are no efficient methods to contain spills and to retrieve oil, particularly in deep waters. The Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico in 2010 is a good and sad example. The spilling of oil and gas occurred over a period of 86 days and 68 000 barrels were released per day for a total of 4.4 million barrels. The oil was set on fire to prevent it from coming ashore and the fires affected wildlife in the area, such as sea turtles which were seen burning alive. A large quantity of the oil didn’t rise to the surface but covered the ocean floor which was left lifeless.
An oil rig on fire after an accident caused an explosion.
Research has shown that oil suppresses the immune and reproductive system and has carcinogenic effects. Bottlenose dolphins’ miscarriages have increased in the years following the Deepwater Horizon spill. Although the specific cause is not yet proven, it is very likely that the toxic effects of oil on marine life had a role to play.
In the book Into Great Silence, the author Eva Saulitis powerfully describes the disastrous consequences of the Exxon Valdez oil spill in the Prince William Sound (Alaska) in 1989. The pod of Orca she was studying was seen swimming through the spill shortly after it happened. The following year, many Orca had disappeared from the pod and were considered dead. No new calves have been born in the pod since, and presently, only a few members are still alive. This Orca pod is on the verge of extirpation (extinction), most likely because of the damaging effects of the oil spill.
What can you do?
- Reduce your dependence and consumption of fossil fuels by using alternate methods of transportation; instead of driving your own car, try biking, walking, or using public transportation.
- Recycle plastic materials and/or reuse plastic items to decrease your consumption of petroleum needed to make plastics.
- Contact your local government officials and share your concerns for the expansion of oil drilling in oceans and oil transportation by tankers.
