Ecological Effectiveness of Oil Spill Countermeasures: How Clean is Clean?

Abstract

Introduction: In the aftermath of an oil spill, what should drive the cleanup response and when is it reasonable to stop cleaning? Further, which of the diversity of oil spill clean-up technologies as described in other chapters of this volume might be employed most effectively to achieve this elusive goal? These are complex questions involving chemical, ecological, socio-economic and political considerations and there are no simple answers. It is important to identify and build consensus for recommended clean-up protocols. These recommendations should be based on the considerable experience that has accumulated over the past 30 years. It is the intent of this paper to identify key points and issues with respect to ecological aspects, bearing in mind that these in turn commonly relate to socio-economic aspects.