Biome Travel Blog: Oil Spill

Spilled oil can harm the organisms in the ocean because it is poisonous. When oil is released into water, it spreads into a thin layer and floats on the surface. Ocean currents move the oil around any way depending on the current. Once the oil moves, it kills plants and animals in the environment. Wind, like ocean currents, also moves the oil around. The oil can break up into different sections and go in opposite directions, either on the shore or out to sea. The creatures most affected by the oil are animals near the surface of the water (epipelagic zone). Animals that become coated in or ingest oil often die quickly.
Because the oil is spread out on the surface, sunlight is blocked from the organisms. Cyanobacteria and phytoplankton would most likely be effected by this natural disaster because they use the sun to go through photosynthesis. They would die because they do not have sunlight for the process.
Oil can affect the temperature of the ocean. The oil can form in tar balls and mats (oil compacted). The tar absorbs the sunlight which makes the temperature rise.
Fish and shellfish can be exposed if the oil is mixed up into their water column. Adult fish may experience reduced growth, enlarged livers, change in respiration rates. and reproduction impairment.
It is also possible for the oil to stick and clump with floating particles on its way to the deep sea. If it is not broken down by bacteria, then species could be effected by it.
Some fish have ways to get rid of the dangerous oil molecules (PAHs). Exposed fish will clear PAHs out of their muscles and organs. Because the oil is not in the fish's tissues, the oil does not pass up the food chain. Oysters, and mussels don't have this enzyme system so they can pass them on to their predators.