Marine Pollution Solution
Marine Pollution Solution 1
Marine Pollution Solution
Betty Brown
Axia College of University of Phoenix
Marine Pollution Solution 2
Marine Pollution Solution
“Approximately 75 million gallons of petroleum finds its way into North America’s oceans each
year. 47 million gallons comes from natural seepage out of the ocean floor. The rest comes from human
activities,” as reported by the National Research Council (NCR), (Rabalais, 2003).
The fact that not as much oil is finding its way into our oceans as previously compared NRC
reports, can be contributed to improved regulations. There has been an increasing notable decline in
oil spills from vessels, as compared to the prior decade. Nevertheless, continued research concludes
that the damage from oil pollution is much more pervasive than previously thought.
Subsequently, the biological effects of petroleum contamination can be subtle. The toxicity of the
compounds contained within the oil can have short- term effects, or they can span over longer periods
of time. Consequently, the size of the spill is not necessarily the determining factor as to its damaging
effects. Depending on how many toxins are released in the oils, entire communities of organisms maybe
destroyed by a small spill.
Additionally, aging oil pipelines near coastal cities are a potential threat. Federal agencies and
environmental agencies should work together to elevate the hazard of abandoned oil facilities and
aging pipelines to minimize the possibility of future spills.
Marine Pollution Solution
Betty Brown
Axia College of University of Phoenix
Marine Pollution Solution 2
Marine Pollution Solution
“Approximately 75 million gallons of petroleum finds its way into North America’s oceans each
year. 47 million gallons comes from natural seepage out of the ocean floor. The rest comes from human
activities,” as reported by the National Research Council (NCR), (Rabalais, 2003).
The fact that not as much oil is finding its way into our oceans as previously compared NRC
reports, can be contributed to improved regulations. There has been an increasing notable decline in
oil spills from vessels, as compared to the prior decade. Nevertheless, continued research concludes
that the damage from oil pollution is much more pervasive than previously thought.
Subsequently, the biological effects of petroleum contamination can be subtle. The toxicity of the
compounds contained within the oil can have short- term effects, or they can span over longer periods
of time. Consequently, the size of the spill is not necessarily the determining factor as to its damaging
effects. Depending on how many toxins are released in the oils, entire communities of organisms maybe
destroyed by a small spill.
Additionally, aging oil pipelines near coastal cities are a potential threat. Federal agencies and
environmental agencies should work together to elevate the hazard of abandoned oil facilities and
aging pipelines to minimize the possibility of future spills.
References: Apollo Alliance. (2006). Clean Energy Economy. Retrieved January 10, 2009. from http://www.apolloalliance.org Rabalais, N. (2003, Fall). Oil in the sea: nonpoint pollution, not oil spills, Issue in Science and Technology. 20 1. Retrieved January 10, 2009, from Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center.Gale.ApolloLibrary.