How Oil Spills Effect The Ocean

http://oceanworld.tamu.edu/resources/oceanography-book/oilspills.htm

Oil spills have been prominent in the news and media in recent years. Many may remember the BP spill in 2010, or the Persian Gulf spill in 1991. Both of these massive spills have had an astounding impact on both wildlife and plant life. (4)

How do oil spills hurt animals and plants?

Animals:
Since oil floats on the surface of the water, animals that dwell in this area are greatest affected. This animals include birds, sea otters. If the oil finds the beach animals that live on the beach, such as snails, clams and crabs can be harmed as well. (1)

When birds and sea otters get oil on their coats it is almost impossible for them to get it off. Their fur provides insulation, which can not keep them warm if not kept clean. (1)

http://naturescrusaders.wordpress.com/2010/04/30/louisiana%E2%80%99s-oil-spill-came-at-the-worst-time/

http://www.glogster.com/greengeekster/history-fair/g-6mamfe2mciud89d8bt721a0

Plants and Ocean Ecosystem:
When oil reaches the shoreline it can lead to other animals becoming exposed to its toxins. It can also have an affect on the land itself.

When oil meets the land it can cause many plants to die, which can eventually lead to land erosion. (3)Many wetlands and marshes are also greatly damaged by oil spills.(2)

http://bpoilspill.us/

There are clean up efforts in place for massive oil spills, but the lasting affect they have on the oceans ecosystem could be irreversible. 

http://www.oilspillnews.net/tag/oil-spill-cleanup/page/5/

Sources:

1. http://response.restoration.noaa.gov/oil-and-chemical-spills/oil-spills/how-oil-harms-animals-and-plants.html

2. http://www.ceoe.udel.edu/oilspill/wildlifeimpacts.html

3. http://fuelfix.com/blog/2012/06/27/study-oil-spill-caused-some-land-erosion/

4.http://www.cnn.com/2013/07/13/world/oil-spills-fast-facts/