The Sea Empress Oil Spill: Environmental Impact and Recovery

Abstract

ABSTRACT 72,000 tonnes of light crude oil were released from the Sea Empress at the entrance to Milford Haven, South Wales over a 7-day period in February 1996, in an area of exceptional environmental value for wildlife, tourism and natural beauty. Natural factors (time of year, wind direction) coupled with effective cleanup at sea (through chemical dispersion) and on shore, minimised environmental impact. Nevertheless, there were adverse effects on fisheries, wildlife—particularly overwintering birds, tourism and amenity. (Human health studies have not been completed.) Recovery, although not complete, has been encouraging although some wildlife populations remain depleted and further monitoring is needed, including offish stocks. The U.K. Government has responded to recommendations by the Sea Empress Environmental Evaluation Committee (SEEEC), agreeing to continued monitoring and research, as well as reviews of aspects of operational response and cleanup and to the need for national and local contingency plans for impact assessment.