Tank vessel operations, seabirds, and chronic oil pollution in California

Abstract

This paper reviews the recent history of oil-spill related seabird mortality events in California and assesses the potential threat of chronic oil pollution from regular shipping practices. Only a small percentage of large spill events have been due to tanker accidents. The vast majority of spills have been associated with non-tanker vessels and pipelines. Tankers, however, pose a constant threat of small-scale oil pollution associated with illegal dumping of oily waste. Shipping practices are explored in detail, enabling an informed assessment of the risk to various seabird species.