ANIMALS:
The damage done to animals goes beyond just the initial disaster. Once an oil spill happens, action must be taken immediately to reduce the death toll on animals. Firstly, the dead wildlife is collected to avoid further contamination. Then, a triage system is used to rescue first the animals that are injured, but yet, have a good chance of living. Then, more severely hurt animals are also given a chance. These animals are given a physical examination, then are treated and fed. They are then given time to rest and recuperate before being re-released back into the wild.
Animals all along the food chain are severely affected. Birds die because their feathers get covered in oil, and either die from poisoning, or hypothermia. Killer whales and otters also eat the contaminated fish and animals which make them sick, and builds up on their coats. Small organisms cause an even greater impact when they die, as their loss creates a dent on the entire upper food chain.
The entire process is very costly. "The actual cost of collecting and caring for oiled sea otters is about $4000-$5000 and marine birds $600-$750 each." [1] Additionally, the resources used, such as the hundreds of liters of hot water, and the cleaning products used to remove the oil from the coats of the animals only add to the overall environmental damage.
Overall an oil spill is a huge biological catastrophe, with devastating effects on biodiversity that may last for decades to come.
Animals all along the food chain are severely affected. Birds die because their feathers get covered in oil, and either die from poisoning, or hypothermia. Killer whales and otters also eat the contaminated fish and animals which make them sick, and builds up on their coats. Small organisms cause an even greater impact when they die, as their loss creates a dent on the entire upper food chain.
The entire process is very costly. "The actual cost of collecting and caring for oiled sea otters is about $4000-$5000 and marine birds $600-$750 each." [1] Additionally, the resources used, such as the hundreds of liters of hot water, and the cleaning products used to remove the oil from the coats of the animals only add to the overall environmental damage.
Overall an oil spill is a huge biological catastrophe, with devastating effects on biodiversity that may last for decades to come.
[1] http://news.discovery.com/animals/endangered-species/oil-spill-wildlife-clean-up-process.htm
[2] http://www.tigersoftware.com/TigerBlogs/July31-2008/index.7.jpg