Effects
6
In many instances, oil spills have severe short term effects, especially when one considers the effect it has on organisms on an individual level. However, environmental impacts are best measured as a total environmental effect rather than on the level of the individual. The degree to which an oil spill does damage is going to depend on a myriad of factors like the quantity and type of the oil that is spilled, and how it interacts with the aquatic environment. Weather conditions affect the physical and atmospheric characteristics of the oil and its behaviour as it interacts. Long-term research and oil spill sample studies show that oil spills rarely ever cause permanent effects. (Anonymous Contributor, Office of Response and Restoration)
Aquatic ecosystems have a high level of biodiversity and of natural variability and will imminently be affected by the elements such as storms, El Niño, and anthropogenic pressures. Marine organisms vary in their degrees of resilience to these oil spills and many of these spills apply unhealthy pressures to their aquatic communities. Oil spills seriously affect the environment in both the marine and inland areas. This is because the spills can cause enormous plumes that can travel inland and cause atmospheric pollution and damage with its potent toxics. (Anonymous Contributor, Office of Response and Restoration)
R. O'Brien