A recent collision between an oil tanker and a cargo ship off the east coast of England has released a significant amount of jet fuel into the sea, posing serious threats to the region’s marine ecosystem.
The incident occurred in the Holderness offshore marine protected area, which is home to numerous species, including the ocean quahog, lemon sole, and European sprat. The area also overlaps with protected habitats for harbor porpoises and birds, including gannets, kittiwakes, and puffins.
The spill has taken place in a productive fishing area that supports the largest crustacean fishery in Europe, with over £15 million worth of live lobster landed annually. However, the rapid spreading of jet fuel on the surface of the water and its potential to mix into the seawater below may affect the survival of marine life.
While it is uncertain how severe the incident will be, experts warn that direct contact with the surface slick could harm animals at the surface and those that break through it to feed or breathe. Even if there are no high levels of mortality, toxic fuel may still impact reproductive fitness in birds preparing for breeding season.
The full extent of the damage is not yet known due to a lack of information on the amount of fuel spilled, its chemical composition, and how it will behave once it hits the sea.
Source: https://www.wired.com/story/how-north-sea-tanker-collision-could-affect-one-of-britains-most-important-coastlines