Assessing the ecological effects of oil pollution from outer continental shelf oil development

Abstract

From the Abstract: “Despite intensive research, it is still not possible to determine the extent of the threat that offshore oil development poses to marine ecosystems and fisheries. In this paper, I briefly review important factors that are commonly underemphasized or ignored. These include the area extent of oil spill slicks, the persistence of oil in the water column after spills, sublethal effects of oil, effects of chronic discharges and small spills, and the cumulative effects of oil on organisms in lower tropic levels.”