Oil spills sp 09

The Economic and Environmental Impact of the Prestige Oil Spill

Environmental Impact

Environmental Impact

   The Prestige oil spill has proven to be one of the most environmentally damaging events since the Exxon Valdez spill in 1989. The tanker sunk on the Galicia Bank off the coast of Spain. The wreck’s geographic location heightened the devastation. The bank is an underwater island-like structure that supports a diverse ocean ecosystem.  The ship sunk to about 12,000 feet near the Islas Cies wildlife preserve area. Islas Cies is made up of three islands that are known for their ecological diversity. A diverse population of organisms can thrive in the area due to the cold North Atlantic currents. Many species of coral grow on the bank structure.  Coral hosts a vast assortment of wildlife including many rare fish species. Researchers have recorded the presence of approximately 86 fish species around the Galicia Bank. The area is home to 11 different species of shark including the threatened ray, Raja batis. The area is also home to a large population of sea birds that nest on the three islands of Islas Cies. 90% of the wildlife preserve region was impacted by the Prestige spill (Green Treks). The spill occurred in an extremely rich ecological area, and the damages have impacted a wide variety of organisms. 

(Garcia & Green Treks)

References

http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn4100-prestige-oil-spill-far-worse-than-thought.html http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?index=1&did=438008581&SrchMode=1&sid=3&Fmt=3&VInst=PROD&VType=PQD&RQT=309&VName=PQD&TS=1239991859&clientId=4534 http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?index=0&did=242940391&SrchMode=1&sid=2&Fmt=3&VInst=PROD&VType=PQD&RQT=309&VName=PQD&TS=1239991784&clientId=4534http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?index=10&did=1537082041&SrchMode=1&sid=1&Fmt=3&VInst=PROD&VType=PQD&RQT=309&VName=PQD&TS=1239991592&clientId=4534http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?index=31&did=1521199841&SrchMode=1&sid=1&Fmt=3&VInst=PROD&VType=PQD&RQT=309&VName=PQD&TS=1239991709&clientId=4534 http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?index=24&did=1526375871&SrchMode=1&sid=1&Fmt=3&VInst=PROD&VType=PQD&RQT=309&VName=PQD&TS=1239991684&clientId=4534 http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?index=17&did=1530993371&SrchMode=1&sid=1&Fmt=3&VInst=PROD&VType=PQD&RQT=309&VName=PQD&TS=1239991592&clientId=4534 http://etc-lusi.eionet.europa.eu/en_Prestige http://www.unep-wcmc.org/latenews/emergency/spain_2002_update/ http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/full/314/5807/1861a?maxtoshow=&HITS=&hits=&RESULTFORMAT=&title=Spain%27s+Prestige+Oil+Spill+Resurfaces&andorexacttitle=phrase&searchid=1&FIRSTINDEX=0&volume=314&firstpage=1861&resourcetype=HWCIT