Oil Spill and its Effects

A ghastly sight it is to see the poor little feathered creatures and other marine life covered in oil. Thickly coated on the birds’ body, oil prevents them from flying, diving and feeding, resulting in starvation and finally death. It is not only birds that are affected as other crustaceans; dolphin, sharks and worms are at risk. Other deep sea creatures such as jelly fish and corals will also find themselves in peril. Not only will this affect marine creatures but also those who sustain a livelihood from the coastline whether it may be for fish, crabs or lobsters.


What about the food chain? A fish seeing floating objects on the water’s surface will likely be tempted to feast therefore adding toxins to its body. Other sea creatures that feed from shoals of fish may also be attracted to the oils. These marine creatures travel out and if death by toxins doesn’t occur then Mother Nature will play her path allowing for the feeding of bigger creatures of these toxic bearing smaller fish. Now the final stage of this food chain would therefore be us humans.

Along coastlines will be inhabitable after an oil spill both by plants and animals. Since plants get their nutrients through their roots; mangroves and other plant life close by will have their roots covered with oil. Along with the oils that wash ashore, there are also dead carcasses of marine creatures making it impossible from humans and animals to enjoy the beaches. Oil spills, a deadly predator with no mercy!!