How Oil Spills Impact Coastal Communities?

Contributed by Luke Smith

Oil spills are some of the most devastating man-made disasters. We’ve all seen the images and videos of thick black oil infesting our oceans. Chances are, you’ve even seen images of animals and sea life getting impacted by those spills. It’s often difficult to watch. There’s something innately human about recognizing how terrible these spills are and how much damage they can do to our natural world.

While oil spills can have lasting negative effects, including disrupting ecosystems to causing prices to skyrocket if they disrupt supply chains, they have an even more significant impact on coastal communities.

Let’s take a closer look at how oil spills impact these communities and what you can do to help now and in the future.

Oil Spills and Local Neighborhoods

Fish and ducks aren’t the only ones impacted by oil spills. People in coastal communities have to be well aware of the dangers that come from these problems. Oil spills can cause harmful issues that could impact the safety and well-being of your family, including:

Erosion;
Chemical runoff;
Water and soil contamination.

These problems can lead to home damage, community safety issues, and health problems for you and your family. That’s especially true when it comes to contaminated water getting into the sewer systems.

The toxicity that comes from oil spills can make food dangerous to eat, too. Many people near coastal communities take advantage of the fresh seafood and local produce that the land and water provide. However, after an oil spill, sea life can be immediately affected and could become dangerous to eat. Not only does that put everyone at a greater health risk, but it has a hugely negative impact on the local economy. As a result, prices typically rise, and some people in the fishing industry might struggle to make ends meet.

The Financial Repercussions

Speaking of local economic problems, oil spills cause more problems than you might initially think. First, we rely on fossil fuels for so many things, including:

Powering homes and businesses;
Fueling cars;
Providing heat.

While a minor spill might not seem like a major economical inconvenience, it can cause fossil fuel prices to spike suddenly. On a local level, an oil spill can create major disruptions for the tourism industry. Coastal towns are often popular travel destinations, especially during the spring and summer. Many businesses rely on the income from tourists to get by. Combine those financial issues with the cost of cleanup efforts, and it’s easy to see why it can be so difficult for a coastal community to financially recover from a spill. Major oil spills can cost up to $15,000 per tonne, depending on the equipment used to clean things up and how long it takes to get everything as clear as possible. Heavy fuels and crude oil cost more to clean up thanks to their weight.

One example of the long-term economic impact of a manmade disaster like an oil spill is the 2010 BP spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Home purchases declined by up to 44% during the spill, and home value went down as much as 8.8%. Many things in the area became less valuable, and it impacted both the tourism industry and the people living nearby when it came to the overall cost of living. With fewer tourists coming to the area, many people struggled to keep jobs in that industry — and the local economy felt the sting.

How You Can Get Involved?

The best way to keep your coastal community safe is to do whatever it takes to prevent oil spills. Some of the best oil- and fuel-spill prevention methods for boaters include:

Not overfilling tanks;
Using oil absorbent pads in the bilges of your boat if it has an inbound engine;
Recycling used oil and filters.

Management of marinas also needs to routinely inspect oil tanks and have spill-control equipment ready to go.

Unfortunately, no cleanup solution completely removes oil from the water once there’s been a spill. While there are specific types of equipment designed to clean up after an oil spill, nothing can soak up every last drop. Natural recovery is essential, which is why it’s important for people in coastal communities to care for the local ecosystems and take care of marine life as much as possible so it remains strong and healthy.

It’s also important to reduce our dependency on fossil fuels. The less dependent we are, the less likely it will be for these spills to occur. Take the time to research energy alternatives, and consider reaching out to your local representatives to make sure they’re on the same page. When you live in a coastal area, being an activist for alternative energy can help to open other people’s eyes. So much of coastal living depends on the health of the sea. Do your part to prevent oil spills, and you can enjoy more peace of mind in your community.

About Luke Smith

Luke Smith is a researcher turned writer and blogger. With a background in science, Luke brings his expertise and enthusiasm to his work, and hopes to share genuinely helpful information and science news. When he isn’t writing, you can find Luke taking photographs, traveling, or learning about the latest tech.

Contributed by Luke Smith

Related