Coastal hazards from oil spills

Abstract

The transport and utilization of petroleum and its derivatives presents a spill risk in coastal areas. Not only do spills affect coastal and nearshore biota, but can cause severe economic costs due to closure of fisheries areas as well as direct losses due to business disruption. In most countries, compensation is available to assist those damaged by a spill. Often overlooked, spills can also affect the social well-being and health of both residents of the spill area and to workers brought in to assist cleanup. After spill prevention, adequate spill response planning is the best method to reduce potential damages to the ecosystem and to coastal residents.