Over 22,000 tonnes of oil have been released into UK waters since 2017 by the oil and gas industry, according to a new report by marine conservation group Oceana.
Over half (58%) of the 22,000 tonnes of oil released was done so legally through government-issued permits.
Oil discharge permits allow produced water (oil-laced water), created as a by-product of drilling, to be released into the ocean through small, every day oil slicks, also known as ‘chronic oiling’.
Despite the UK offshore regulator, OPRED, handing out more than 1900 permits every year for the past five years, oil (9,000 tonnes) was also deliberately released in breach of these permits and other regulations.
Analysis of the data reveals one or more breaches across 1,056 days in the 2,093 days between 2017 and 2022 – one every other day.
The environmental impact of oil spills
Oil spills have a devastating impact on the environment, causing long-lasting damage to marine ecosystems.
The impact of oil spills goes beyond the immediate damage caused by the oil itself.
The chemicals in the oil can persist in the environment for years, causing long-term damage.
UK waters are well known for their abundance of large whales, dolphins and seabirds, some of our most endangered species.
The In Deep Water report and FOI data reveal that these species are subject to a constant flow of small oil spills, which has the potential to kill sea life and to significantly impact the life chances and reproductive success of others.
As well as routine oil spills, the report shows how oil and gas production harms marine life through toxic chemicals, microplastics, and extreme noise pollution through seismic blasting.
The importance of protecting our oceans
The oceans are essential for life on earth, providing food, oxygen and regulating the climate.
Protecting our oceans is therefore crucial for our survival, and preventing oil spills is a key part of this.
The UK government has committed to protecting 30% of its waters by 2030, but greater action needs to be taken to protect our oceans from the impacts of human activities.
Protecting our oceans also requires global cooperation. International regulations are needed to prevent spills from occurring, and countries need to work together to ensure the safe transport of goods around the world.
Hugo Tagholm, Executive Director and Vice President of Oceana in the UK, said: “For more than fifty years, the Government has allowed big oil to routinely pollute our waters. From oil spills to toxic chemicals, we can now see as clear as day the devastating path of destruction caused to our marine environment. Our wild isles should not be held hostage by fossil fuel giants any longer.
The Government says it’s a ‘global leader’ in marine protection. Yet, allowing this oil to consistently contaminate our seas, including so-called Marine Protected Areas, says otherwise. Frankly, it makes a mockery of their position as leader of the Global Ocean Alliance and their commitment to 30×30.”
This report is a wake-up call. The environmental impact of oil spills is devastating, and we must do everything we can to protect our oceans from the impacts of human activities.
By improving safety measures and regulations and increasing industry transparency and accountability, and shifting to renewable energy sources, we can help protect our oceans for generations to come.
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